22 Dec 2014

An official of the greater Francistown District Health Management Team (DHMT), Ms Tshepang Tamotho says there is need for partnerships in ensuring that there is dissemination of information on dangers of alcohol and substance abuse.

Speaking at a two-day football tournament organised as part of the anti-alcohol and substance abuse on Saturday, Ms Tamotho said through the tournament, DHMT and its stakeholders intended to engage football teams in strengthening community awareness on alcohol and substance abuse.

“Information is already there on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, but there is need to strengthen community awareness,” she said. Ms Tamotho said part of the objectives of the tournament is to encourage members of the community to use sports as a form of entertainment and not alcohol.

A member of the community, Mr Pule Senatle applauded the football teams for their participation in the tournament. He expressed hope that the teams are not only interested in winning the prizes but will be ambassadors of anti-alcohol and substance abuse.

A member of the organising committee, Mr Daniel Nkoketsang said the eight teams participating in the tournament are All Stars, Ola Dintsa, Heart Breakers, Gerald United, Francistown City Council , Police, Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL) and the Department of Road Transport and Safety .

In an interview, a team member of All Star, Othusitse Samson said the tournament is a welcome development that will not only help in disseminating information but will also keep the youth away from alcohol and involvement in fights and road accidents.

Kedibonye William of Heart Breakers said the tournament is important because it will enlighten players on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse. He noted a lot of people have lost their lives because of alcohol and substance abuse and the problem should therefore be rooted out. Ends