11 Jan 2015

During his lifetime, former Vice President Lt Gen Mompati Merafhe presence was felt everywhere in his journey of championing development.

Hence the sport fraternity is equally saddened by the passing away of the “The General”, who departed this world on January 7 at the age of 78 years.

‘The General’ was not only a politician, but also passionate about sport, and his commitment became evident when he was President of the then Botswana Amateur Athletics Association (BAAA).

He was also the President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOCA), representing, Southern Africa.

Gen Merafhe was also a founder and executive member of the Supreme Council for sports in Southern Africa (SCSA).

Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) chairperson Solly Reikeletseng told BOPA that Gen. Merafhe had contributed immensely to sports development in the country, saying the fact that he chaired two big institutions at the same time, BNSC and BNOC, spoke volumes.

He said what he appreciated about Gen. Merafhe was the fact that, he was hands –on, he did not want to leave anything to chance.

“The first teams in Botswana to participate in the higher stage at the Olympics were accompanied by Rre Merafhe, because he wanted to make sure that all was well during the trip” he said.

Reikeletseng said, he also initiated a lot of things in sport, and he was very instrumental when BNSC Act was drafted.

He said Gen. Merafhe was part of the committee that solicited funds for the construction of National Stadium, which was officially opened by the first president Sir Seretse Khama.

Reikeletseng said in their effort to appreciate his hard work and resilience in Botswana sport, Gen. Merafhe was among the first people to be awarded BNSC Hall of fame.

He said he would always remember “The General” as a frank person, who was consistent in his decisions.

Botswana Football Association (BFA) president Tebogo Sebego said  Gen. Merafhe was not just an icon in politics, he was also an astute sportsman who led BNSC diligently, where then football was the first affiliate.

He said Gen Merafhe was pivotal, in the game of football, and his death was a huge loss to football, because he was also a patron of Serowe based club Miscellaneous. 

He supported the team fully after his retirement.

“Even during his tenure as the Vice President, we used to consult him when we needed guidance in certain issue, especially when dealing with government, now his passing is a big loss to the sport fraternity and football in particular,” he said

As an elder, Gen. Merafhe had his lighter side, “the only thing that I will always remember about him; he would compliment me for my suit and wrist watch, and he would say to me if you are to be a good leader you must look the part, and I remember those words because I had just bought the watch in Switzerland, yes he had good taste for fashion,” said Sebego

Former Zebras goalkeeper, Kagiso Tshelametse said he was also saddened by the death of Gen. Merafhe.

He said he would always remember him in 2003 when he bought him a ticket to go and advance his goalkeeping career in Trinidad and Tobago where he played for Caledonia AIA for two years. ENDS