Visually impaired Motsumi finds joy in goal ball

SYLVIAH DISELE
Correspondent | Friday September 7, 2012 00:00

 

Born 23 years ago in Molapowabojang, Motsumi is a goal ball player, a sport for the visually impaired. A second year journalism student at Limkokwing University, Motsumi started playing the game, which remains largely unknown, in 2006 at Linchwe Junior Secondary School. He played his first tournament during an Inter schools games held in Otse that year.  After that he became an official when he entered senior secondary school education in 2008. The pint-sized young man said they intend to establish a team to play goal ball as a way to empower youths who are living with disability.

Shedding light on how the sport is played, Motsumi said that there are three representatives per team and that two teams play against each other. The three players are the left, right wing and centre players who sit on a mattress. Motsumi explained that all the players are blindfolded before the toss of a coin at kick-off. He said that if the ball passes the opposing players it is a goal, adding that not any ball can be used. He said that the ball they use has some metallic sound because they (players) depend on their sense of hearing.

 Goal ball has two penalties; one of them is a high ball. The ball is supposed to be rolled as it is hit with a fist; so if it goes high then it is a penalty and it is awarded to the opposing side. The best player to serve is placed on the centre mattress and the opponents shoot. Another penalty can be given when the ball bounces.

Motsumi said that the fans are not allowed to make noise. The spectators only celebrate when a goal is scored.

Once play re-starts they ought to keep quiet. 'My weakness is that I cannot dictate the movement of the ball in most cases and I do not have the power to hit a ball that can make an impact,' he said of his competency.People who are living with disabilities inspire him. He said these people make him play and enjoy the game as it is one of few ways in which the visually impaired keep themselves entertained. Just like any other sport, there are challenges that players encounter and Motsumi said the major problem is lack of venues. He said that they need a spacious place preferably halls, but they sometimes play in rooms. In addition, the equipment is expensive and hard to find. The young man said that they are establishing a goal ball club in a bid to sensitise Batswana about the sport. Since it is played even at Paralympics level, it is a great idea to have a team that could play in qualifying matches and ultimately compete at the Paralympics in future, Motsumi said. He expressed the hope that the relevant authorities like the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) would help them get organised so the goal ball could be played in schools (that have visually impaired pupils) as well.