Pabalinga promises successful CUCSA games
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday February 16, 2018 13:20
He was, however, this week given a mammoth task of leading a team to organise the 2018 Confederation of University and College Sport Association (CUCSA) Games to be held in Gaborone in June.
Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng announced the members of the local organising committee (LOC) this week, with Pabalinga as the chairperson.
Pabalinga’s event management abilities are not in question though as he is the man behind the annual Gaborone International Music Concert (GIMC), held every September. But he is the first to admit that most people do not know much about his sport credentials.
“I have represented Botswana as a member of the golf national team for 12 years. I then left the amateur ranks and became a professional golfer. I was one of the first local golfers to join the professional ranks,” he said.
Pabalinga, a businessman and politician, said the opportunity to head the LOC means a lot to him and a vote of confidence in his ability. He said, as a player, he has been involved in Zone VI competitions, and has been part of the organising team of the regional games in the past.
Pabalinga noted that there is little time between now and the start of the games in June. He said that would put the committee under pressure and the job is demanding, particularly that they have to raise funds to host the games.
“The budget for the games is around P4 million. The government has pledged to assist but did not state the figure. We are busy going around engaging the business community to raise the funds. We hope for the best,” he said.
Pabalinga said they were careful when selecting the LOC members and they got people who can deliver successful games. He said the members, who are from the private sector and government have background in event management.
Other members are Ivy Balopi, Sonnyboy Sethibe, Kebareng Mokobi, Lekopanye Mogatle, Keitumetse Moletane, Boitshwarelo Lebang, Diphetogo Selolwane, Roselyn Pansire, Ntebo Maplanka, Kagiso Gaodumele, Treasure Mothobi, Thapelo Kalake, Zenzele Hirschfield, Herbet Letsebe, Moreetsi Kediseng and Keorapetse Setlhare.
Meanwhile, Pabalinga said the facilities to host the games are ready and all they should focus on is to make sure that they meet the required standard.
The venues are Lekidi, National Stadium, University of Botswana indoor sports arena, Botho University, BUAN and BNYC.
“We are working with different sporting codes because we are going to use their officials during the games. We have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sports Volunteers Movement (SVM). We are going to need volunteers during the games,” Pabalinga said. He said as the host country, they are allowed to field a bigger team.
“That is a challenge thrown to us to do well. We should be able to win more medals and that is our target. Our team should focus on the bigger picture,” he said.
Pabalinga said the games are for future sports stars and some are already competing in various codes. Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Swaziland, Malawi, Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique and Namibia will compete in karate, netball, basketball, athletics, chess, darts, football and table tennis.