Rumblings as golf team leaves for Zambia
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday April 13, 2017 13:11
Critics argue team manager, Minkie Molatlhegi is not well equipped to handle the team at that level. However, the Botswana Golf Union (BGU) argues she is the right person for the assignment.
A member of the Professional Golf Association (PGA), who preferred anonymity, had argued the Botswana team manager should be a professional golfer.
The PGA member said a team manager should be an individual who has technical background and can guide the team.
“Last year when the team went to Swaziland, a PGA member was appointed team manager. That is the practice and other countries do that. But now Botswana is doing things in reverse mode. We cannot expect to do well under such circumstances,” he said.
He also felt that the team did not get sufficient training ahead of the competition.
He said other countries do not send reserves because it is a waste of money but BGU has sent a reserve player.
But BGU vice-president, Peter Podise batted away the concerns arguing being a manager has nothing to do with PGA membership. He said the responsibility of a team manager is to manage the team and not the technical aspects, which fall under the coach.
BGU president, Enoch Mushango said Botswana sent one team despite countries being encouraged to send two. He said they sent a team that comprises four players and a reserve who also serves as a coach.
Mushango said players booked themselves a spot in the national team after gruelling play-offs. “The preparations for Region V were tough. The players had to play four rounds, which was 36 holes a day. We have always been taking part in this competition over the years and this time around we expect a podium finish,” Mushango said.
Dikgang Lemogang, who is the new captain, said local players are always affected by stage fright at international competitions.
He said preparations might have gone well, but they go off-rail when it comes to the competition proper. Lemogang said they expect their fortunes to change in Zambia.
Leroy Pearmain is expected to breath life into the team. The Selebi-Phikwe born golf sensation is back to his winning ways after going through a lean spell.
“I am happy to be back on top of my game.
I have been going through some changes such as relocating from Selebi-Phikwe to Gaborone and being a student at the University of Botswana. That affected my performance,” he said.
Pearmain said he has been working hard to get back in shape with the help of his coach, Mpho Kelosiwang.
For his part, Kelosiwang said he is still working on Pearmain, with main focus being on psychology.
He said the player always gets demoralised when he makes a mistake during a game.
“He is still work in progress. He has been playing well, with good holes in a round and a few bad holes. He still does not trust his swing. But I expect him to do well in Zambia,” Kelosiwang said.
Other competing countries are Angola, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The team: Lemogang, Pearmain, Clayton Shangare, Billy Anabwani and Diane Lucas (coach and reserve).