Rakgare defends decision to miss Zebras game

Rakgare was part of the crowd at National Stadium in Gaborone for the ‘Clash of legends’ match, while the Zebras were playing at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The clash of legends featured former Zebras and Bafana Bafana players. Rakgare said that attending the legends clash should not be construed to mean that he does not value the Zebras. Critics argued, by opting for a social tournament at the expense of the Zebras game, the minister was undermining the integrity of the national team. His augment is that his presence at the legends clash was also vital. “I could not travel to Francistown because I had an official engagement on Sunday in Gaborone. The legends match was for a good cause. I felt that I could not just sit at home for the whole day (on Saturday) when there was another activity in the city which has been organised for a good cause,” he said.

“The legends match was staged to raise funds for former Zebras players, Jomo Moatlhaping, Malepa Bolelang and Mosimanegape Ramohibidu. Jomo is also my voter and I treat him like a brother. We also schooled together,” Rakgare added. Motlhaping unwell, while Bolelang had his leg amputated after a car crash. Ramohibidu was involved in a car accident which left him wheelchair bound a few years ago. Rakgare added that it was long planned that his assistant Buti Billy would represent the ministry at the Libya clash. “Until the Libya clash I have never missed any Zebras home match since I was appointed minister. On the other hand I have missed key events of other sporting codes because of competing priorities but that did not attract much criticism or scrutiny.” Rakgare said that the Zebras match was initially planned for June 18 but is not privy to details as to why the match was moved to Saturday. “Even if the match would have been played on the 18th of June I would not have made it because of a pre-planned engagement.”