The centre, called African Stars Sports Development Centre, is the brainchild of Kitso Dlamini, a long time Extension Gunners official, who is also the chairperson of the centre.Speaking at the launch, Dlamini said the idea to start the project was prompted by the need to use sports to curb social ills like drug and alcohol abuse, and other juvenile delinquent behaviours. He said the centre would be using a holistic approach to sport development bringing in elements of tactical and technical approaches, behavioural change, life skills and public/media relations.
The key sports codes to be offered at the centre are football, athletics, netball and volleyball. The centre, based at Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital, will take care of Under 12, 14, 16 and 18 aspiring athletes. It will target 20 children in each category making a total 300 kids. The centre will have professionals among them licensed coaches, physical trainers, physiotherapists, psychologists, dieticians, doctors, sports administrators as well as volunteers.Some of the medical professionals will come from Sbrana Hospital, which is a partner in the project.BNSC Chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng commended Dlamini for coming up with the initiative. He said he had observed that sports performance in the country has been steadily improving in recent years, and that such success did not come by luck. He said the BNSC targets five gold medals at the 2028 Olympics.He asked the owners of the centre to franchise it in other parts of the country so that it becomes accessible to everyone.Extension Gunners and national U-20 coach, Odirile China Matlhaku will be head of development at the centre.
