Five left behind as netball side flies to Australia
Naledi Lemogang | Wednesday May 31, 2017 15:31
The five missed Botswana’s first friendly match against Warriors of Australia, which ended 42-all on Monday.
Botswana Netball Association (BONA) president Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego said the five players who are minors (under 18) were left behind because their visas were not processed at the same time as others. She said visa requirements for minors have extreme limitations as compared to the other visas.
“As soon as the visas are cleared the five players will join the other team in Australia and proceed to Singapore for the tour. The Botswana Embassy in Pretoria is assisting us with the remaining visas,” Lebotse-Sebego said.
The remaining girls are still in camp with the team manager, Flora Kedibonye and the team trainer, Phologo Mahusi to ensure they maintain fitness levels.
She further said when the team returns from the two training trips 12 players and three reserves will be announced as the final squad therefore the team selection is on going.
Meanwhile, the team was scheduled to play two more games against Southwest Jets and Demonds before jetting out to Singapore to continue their preparations. They are expected to leave Singapore on June 6 and return home to finalise their preparations.
It is just over a month before Botswana hosts the World Cup from July 8-16 with 20 countries expected to take part.
Botswana face Malaysia in the opening game with tickets for all the games on sale on web tickets website, Spar outlets, Maitisong, Riverwalk web tickets kiosk, Streethorn Music Cafe and Sebele Pick ‘n Pay.