Botswana targets 15 COSSASA gold medals

Naledi Lemogang | Friday April 28, 2017 14:30

Last year Botswana finished third, behind Zimbabwe and Namibia, with 12 gold medals. Tough competition is expected from the two countries.

The team leaves for Zimbabwe on Sunday and BISA public relations officer, Letsweletse Jonas said they were optimistic.

“Team Botswana has gold medallists who are determined to defend their titles. It has more experienced athletes with 80 athletes Under-13 years, with Under-15 and 17 age groups having 60 athletes each,” Jonas said.

He said the association is determined to develop the athletes at a tender age and give primary and junior students a platform to compete internationally.

Jonas said despite the fact that they are awaiting government’s funds approval, they are ready to compete since they have been working hard from the first day.

Jonas said the trip will cost more than P3.5 million. “We are going with the media, coaches, officials and 200 athletes, in which we offer accommodation, food and travel expenses,” he said.

However, Jonas said during preparations they came across the challenge of lack of travel documents for some of the athletes since they are children. 

“We are experiencing this problem every year where some of our children are raised by parents who live separately and fail to meet to get their children’s passport, which affects our preparations,” Jonas said. Meanwhile, the competitions are scheduled to start on May 3 and run until May 7.