BNSC forum endorses cricket

Simon Jubane
Correspondent | Friday April 6, 2012 00:00

The consultative forum, which was held in Francistown last Saturday, gave their support to the inclusion of cricket into the bracket of sports code currently enjoying the benefits of the popular Re Ba Bona Ha programme.

According to the deputy BNSC Sports Development Manager, Bobby Gaseitsiwe, the development will result in Botswana Cricket Association's (BCA) efforts of growing and taking the sport to the people being complemented by the sports' governing body. 

Gaseitsiwe told the forum that the endorsement of cricket, as part of the Re Ba Bona Ha programme, would enable BCA to come up with training programmes that would involve the community at large. 'There is need for various sports codes to engage as many volunteers in their respective development programmes as possible,' he said. For the newly endorsed sport code, Gaseitsiwe said there should be more volunteers in the game of cricket to help in marketing the programmes in order to reach out to the masses across the country.

He applauded BCA for its efforts to reach out to as many communities as people through holding teacher empowerment workshops where educators are empowered with cricket training skills to impart with children.

'BCA have been doing it in such a way that the structured programme of activities encompasses both the boy and girl child regardless of social background. The cricket association has gone a distant further by empowering children with social life skills,' he said. 

Gaseitsiwe said the development has culminated in the children becoming productive individuals in the community. Northern Region Cricket Development Officer, Clement Chipanga said the development is a move in the right direction, as most children will have the opportunity to learn cricket skills.

According to Chipanga, cricket is a more technical game that requires exposure to near perfect cricket facilities and constant training. 'Besides growth in the sport development, we will also have the opportunity to produce better players technically through the Re Ba Bona Ha programme.

It will also help improve on their (cricket players) performance,' said the regional cricket development officer.