02 Jun 2014

The just ended second African Youth Games were an opportunity for Botswana to prove to the world that it is not just capable of hosting a continental showpiece but a world competition.

Come 2017, all eyes will be on Botswana once again and this time around for the World Youth Netball Championships.

The International Netball Federation (INF) declared Botswana as hosts last year after the country won the bid to host the global sporting showpiece.

During her recent visit to Botswana, INF president, Molly Rhone stated that hosting the AYG was a big step for netball towards hosting the netball championships.

She said Botswana had many years to prepare for the global meet adding that she believed that the country was capable of successfully hosting the competition. Rhone stated that Botswana Netball association should use the AYG to assess themselves for a bigger challenge.

The president commended Botswana for taking a bold step in bidding for the championship adding that this would challenge Batswana youngsters to work hard and make their country proud.

She further commended the government for investing in sport and building facilities that allow the youth to expose their talents.

In an interview INF technical director, Liz Broomhead stated that she was invited by BONA to train match officials and so far 27 officials were trained and the response was excellent judging from their performance at the AYG.

Broomhead said not only will Botswana host the global youth in 2017 but will host the Africa world cup qualifiers in September. “Everyone has been outstanding and I believe Botswana can host a successful world Youth Championships in 2017,” She said.

The director who has worked with different coaches in Africa said African players have amazing potential and are tremendously growing in sport. She stated that Botswana is ready for any challenge adding that she believes by 2017 all facilities will be ready to host the world.

On the young netballers partaking at the just ended AYG, she stated that she believes the youngsters could become the best in the world if they could get used to international competitions.

“Botswana young players will have to get used to playing under international standard and hence i have asked all local coaches to rope them in the premier league to get used to the rules,” she noted.

She cited examples of New Zealand and Australia whom she said include girls in the premier league team as young as at the age of below 21.

Broomhead said Batswana are very friendly and INF is delighted that netball was included in the AYG. Ends