The few rugby teams that exist in the country are based in urban areas like Gaborone, Selebi-Phikwe, Francistown, Molepolole and Jwaneng. Shortage of facilities has made it difficult for those who are passionate about the sport to register teams in other parts of the country. Despite the fact that the national team, the Vultures, has been doing well in the last two years, some rugby players have thrown the towel because of lack of facilities and interest. But there are those who are not giving up on their dream. One such person is Omphile Makwati. The Kanye Brigade student want to see the sport grow the same way it has done in neighbouring countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. He has formed a rugby team in Kanye and so far he has registered 14 players.
"It is a wrong perception that rugby is a sport for white people. It can be enjoyed by all and played by all. It is just that it has not been accessible to a large number of people. We need to take it to remote areas so that even youngsters can grow up knowing it. The reason football is so popular is because it is accessible to almost everyone. Different villages and settlements have their own teams and that can happen with rugby as well if we work hard to promote it," Makwati explained.
He told Mmegi Sport that he has already approached Botswana Rugby Union with a proposal to register the team. "I am still tying a few ends because I am not in this alone. So far I am impressed with the response from people who want to join as players and stakeholders," he said. Makwati who originates from Thamaga used to play rugby for Molepolole College of Education. He dismissed claims that rugby is a sport for muscular people. "You cannot win if you rely only on your physical strength, you need to think a lot to beat your opponents," he said.
