27 Jul 2014

The visit to Botswana by Bristol City Football Club is proof that football is a passion that unites people of diverse backgrounds all over the world, the acting Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Vincent Seretse, said.

Bristol City has been in Botswana from July 15 where they played a friendly game against Extension Gunners and engaged in some community projects.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the British High Commission in Gaborone on July 23 Seretse said the visit demonstrated the friendship not only between Botswana football and British sport, but also between citizens of the two countries.

Seretse said he hoped the visit would result in the team establishing a fan base in Botswana and hence cement the friendship between the people.

He stated that government undertook to promote sport tourism by supporting the hosting of major sporting events such as the just-ended African Youth Games.

“Interactions like this will contribute immensely to the development of sport in Botswana both on and off the field,” he said.

He said practice matches would pit local players and coaches against football league campaigners and the players would no doubt learn a lot from the experience.

“Off the field of play, I believe that local football administrators will also interact with your management to exchange ideas on improving the management of their teams.”

Seretse said he hoped the visit of the team marked the beginning of a journey of a partnership whereby Botswana players would be afforded an opportunity to also go to England for trials at the club. Botswana has players with the potential to make their mark in the different divisions of football league, and all they need is good orientation and guidance from the experts and exposure such as the practice matches with the likes of Bristol City.

He also said he hoped that the visit would contribute to Botswana’s efforts to develop football and increase the number of professional players.

Steve Lansdowne, Bristol City FC chairperson, thanked Batswana for their hospitality over the few days that his team was in Botswana. 

During the visit, the Britons experienced how other people lived and also played sport which he said they enjoyed very much.

Lansdowne said Bristol City FC was committed to this partnership and they would want to continue nurturing the friendship.

He said the team learnt a lot in Botswana and hoped that Batswana also learnt from them. He thanked the Botswana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Roy Blackbeard, for his assistance in ensuring that the trip is successful. ENDS