Mogobane hails Zebras AFCON feat

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday August 13, 2012 00:00

 

Residents of Mogobane thronged the village kgotla on Saturday to thank the team for making the nation happy by qualifying for the first ever appearance at the continental showpiece in Gabon earlier this year. The community prepared a reception lunch for the team, prior to which a series of festivities were observed in the company of the players. Welcoming the guests at the reception, Mogobane chief, Nobi Moilwa expressed gratitude for the team for taking some time from their preparation schedule to spend with his community, whom he described as passionate supporters of the Zebras.

He said soccer is an important part of the village community, hence they found it important to do something for the team upon their return from AFCON. The chief singled out the community team Mogobane Stars as the pride of the village. He pointed at former Zebras player and current team manager Patrick Zibochwa as one of the most remembered players to have starred for the team in the past. He said as stern believers of tradition in their village, they strongly believed that by the Zebras visit to Mogobane, the ancestors have smoothened their paths and they will overcome any challenge they face in their quest to qualify for the 2013 AFCON and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The local organising committee chairperson, Sisimosang Abram echoed the chief's words pointing to the sacred Lentswe la Baratani hill standing in the eastern side of the village saying the ancestors were very happy and the team have been blessed by touching down in Mogobane soil. He said they had wished for the reception to be a bit earlier after AFCON, but due to the team's busy schedule, they had to look for a later suitable date. He wished the team success in their upcoming matches in the qualifiers saying wishes was that one day Botswana will win a major competition.

Addressing the gathering, South East District deputy council chairperson, Douglas Kereng assured the team that the nation is always behind them wherever they go, evidenced by the actions of the Mogobane people.He reminded the players that they are role models for young people and they should always make sure they behave and act appropriately wherever they are because they are national pride. For his part, BFA CEO, Duncan Kgame thanked the Mogobane community for their recognition of the national team efforts. Also present at the reception was BFA president Tebogo Sebego.