04 Dec 2014

During the course of the season, athletes spend most of the time sweating on the track or football pitch, without any quality time spent with their families.

Now the festive is almost here. This is a time when families meet and catch up for lost time and quite often than not, most athletes traverse the world to attend to different activities and also meet their loved ones.

During the season, some sportsmen could even miss their family social events to honour their games, and no one would ever forget the time when Jomo Sono on his wedding day, left his wedding ceremony to join his team at half time.

In 1994, Brazil player, Bebeto missed his son’s birthday Mattheus Oliveira, whilst representing his country at the World Cup which was hosted by United States of America.

Immediately after scoring against Holland, he celebrated his goal by putting his arms in front of his body and swayed them from side to side as if cradling a baby.

However, this festive season will be a different one for some of Batswana athletes, since this year they intend to spend the day with their loved ones. Mogogi Gabonamong who plies his trade at Bloemfontein Celtic says Christmas is a family time.

In an interview, he said, “Christmas time is farm time for me, but spending time with my family at the cattle post is an important family tradition.”

Gabonamong said since spending Christmas at the farm was his family’s tradition; he would maintain the status quo. He said as players, they do not get much rest, just after 10 days and they would be back at training.

According to Gino, Christmas is the only time he gets to really over-eat, thus it forces him to work out harder at training when he gets back. He said on Christmas day, he indulges in dijo tsa Setswana and becomes a spectator watching young local talent in action around Mahalapye and Mmutlane.

For former Zebras player, Diphetogo “Dipsy” Selolwane Christmas to him means family time and celebrating the birth of Christ.  He views Christmas as a special day which brings families together.

2014 Commonwealth Games 800 metres champion, Nijel Amos said Christmas is the day to celebrate the birth of Christ, who always protect him and shower him with more blessings.

However, he said this year he would not be able to spend it with all his family members in Marobela, but instead he would travel with some to Kasane to explore the beauty of wildlife.

Botswana Premier League, chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi said the day gives one an opportunity to reflect on the past year and take lessons from the just ended year. “It is not time for trouble and partying but time to rest and celebrate the birth of Christ,” he said.

Mamelodi will be spending Christmas in Gaborone, where he will prepare a good meal and invite some people to come and celebrate the birth of Christ with him.

For 400 metres Africa’s record holder, Isaac Makwala Christmas to him is time to reflect on the blessings of life, and he normally celebrates it by spending time with his loved ones in Tutume.

This year, he said it would be different; because he would be training to prepare for the coming athletics season. ENDS