09 Jul 2015

The deafening silence concerning WASBO new committee which was roped into office in November last year is a concern to the sporting fraternity.

In January the Botswana Premier League (BPL) announced a controversial initiative of attracting ladies to the football matches in order to lure more men to these matches. 

The initiative was condemned by International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) Secretary General, Game Mothibi, who said it was degrading and demeaning to women. Another organisation to denounce the initiative was Gender Links Botswana‘s coordinator, Gomolemo Rasesigo who said BPL should not portray women as marketing instruments.

The question is why is WASBO silent on the matter which directly affects them.

Just recently, Botswana Football Association [BFA] relegated Gaolethoo ‘Ronaldo’ Nkutwisang to the assistant coach position. ‘Ronaldo’ was unceremoniously replaced by Sepheko Motlhagodi a week before the team played Kenya for the Rio Olympics qualifiers. Even on such matter, WASBO remained inaudible despite the fact that a capable woman was being relegated. 

IWG again had to intervene and condemn BFA action.

At the 35th annual Botswana National Sports Council [BNSC] some outstanding sportswomen won awards but WASBO as an organization whose aim is to increase women and girls participation in all areas of sports and recreation continued to remain silent and not motivate the winners.

When contacted for comment WASBO chairperson, Grace Muzila said they have decided to undertake a research on Women in Sport and the baseline data will help WASBO to develop a more realistic plan. 

She said the research project is the main activity for 2015 which will be completed by the end of the year. ENDS