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Botswana’s solo run

No retreat, no surrender: Rakgare says quitting is not an option PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO.
No retreat, no surrender: Rakgare says quitting is not an option PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO.

The Minister of Youth, Sport, Gender and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare this week put to bed concerns over the future of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals bid, with an assurance the country is still in the race to host the biennial competition.

Botswana’s bid was left hanging by a thread after partners in the joint bid, Namibia pulled out at the 11th hour. Namibia cited budgetary constraints after the facilities auditor indicated P4.2 billion was required from Botswana’s neighbour to upgrade infrastructure.

Botswana was expected to follow suit and pull out, but Rakgare told journalists in Gaborone on Wednesday that the bid was still very much alive. Rakgare is optimistic Botswana will land the rights to host the tournament. “We believe we stand as good a chance as any of the other bidders if not a better chance,” he said.


Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

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