Heroic welcome for Commonwealth Youth Games team
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday July 28, 2017 14:42
Brian Galelemogwe won bronze for boxing in a bout where he faced an opponent from Bahamas. A mixed relay team that comprised Phodiso Rampa, Rose Sanane, Mothusi Boitshwarelo and Oarabile Tshosa bagged a bronze in the 4x200m race while James Freeman was the swimmer who finished third in the 1,500m freestyle. The acting Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture Development, Kefentse Mzwinila said the team should be motivated and government was committed in making sure that they come back as medallists.
“Most of our athletes finished in the finals which was an indication that we sent a strong team. Our cyclists who were competing for the first time at this stage also did well. Getting into the final is not easy. It also shows that we prepared them well and supported them well,” he said. Mzwinila said being able to win a swimming medal as a landlocked country at the highest level of competition against powerhouses in swimming is testimony that various stakeholders are doing something right.
He said the team is being prepared and developed for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, 2018 Youth Olympic Games, 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2018 AUSC Games to be held in Botswana. He said the Commonwealth Games are a stepping stone to the senior senior level.
Mzwinila said the athletes now have experience of competing at the highest level as they go back to their clubs, but with hard work they stand a chance to win silver and gold medals.
“It is now time to keep up the momentum and continue to work with structures in place and coordinate our athletes development programmes. I urge Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) and Botswana Olympic Committee (BNOC) to nurture the young talent of the 14 athletes,” Mzwinila said.
The team: Boxing: Treasure Moremi, Cyclists: Dimpho Masi, Arnold Kokwane, Tsaone Latiwa. Athletics: Oarabile Tshosa, Tlhompang Basele, Naledi Lopang, Olesitse Bernard and Omphile Ntaolang. Chef de Mission: Lechedzhani Master Luza.