A delegation of 143 left for the September 3-14 games yesterday with firm assurances that the team would achieve its target of 20 medals. The team's general manager, Tebo Segaise drew huge applause when she said the Botswana national anthem would be played more than 20 times at the games.
"I can assure you that we assembled a winning team. We are satisfied with the team we have and believe that target (of 20 medals) is attainable. I want to assure you that the national anthem will be sung more than 20 times in Maputo," Segaise said. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, Ruth Maphorisa said it was a challenge to put together a team of such magnitude. Botswana is sending the largest group of athletes ever to the games. She urged the team to embrace the spirit of togetherness. "You should recognise that the individual medals by different sport codes will not bring the medals to Botswana, but it is the total medals by the different codes that will bring us victory," said Maporisa who was the guest speaker at the sending-off ceremony.
