05 Aug 2015

Mahalapye Sub-district commissioner, Bakuedi Masole has advised BR Highlanders players against alcohol and drug abuse.

Speaking during the teams fundraising dinner and prize giving ceremony recently, Masole said most players destroy their careers by engaging in unlawful use of drugs and alcohol abuse.

He said as sports persons they should know that they earn their living with their bodies, and if they use drugs such as marijuana and others, they weaken their bodies which would in the long run stop them from being the best.

He said they should have a purpose of what they want in life, have a vision of how they want to live their lives so that they could grow and develop football in their communities and in the country.

Masole said it was commendable for Botswana Railways that despite being a business organisation still found time to sponsor sporting teams.

He said sport in Botswana was voluntary and having organisation’s such as BR was commendable as they would help grow sport and build a strong sporting nation. 

He added that the input of supporters was vital.

He said supporters sometimes do not treat their players with respect and often ridicule the management or coach when they lose, adding that was not the role of supporters.

He said supporters should stand by their players when they lose or win so that they help them grow.

For his part, the chairperson of the team, Bosenogile Gabotale said his team was formed in 1987 for the recreation of BR employees, but that it has since grown to a bigger and better team which competes in various leagues in the country.

However, he said what pains them was that having grown that big, they were always on the road because they do not have a home ground.

Gabotale said this was a huge challenge for them as they have to travel every time they have a game. He pleaded with the village leadership to make a plan and help improve the Mahalapye infrastructure.

He said the challenge also hinders them from having a strong fan base, adding that teams get momentum by having strong fan bases and they would also want to take their team to the community they live in.

The most disciplined award went to Bryn Kobe, most improved player was Kgakgamatso Ramatshosa, longest serving player went to Temo Keorileng and best goalkeeper went to Kabo Ntswaneng.

The top goal scorer of the last season went to Emmanuel Thakadu, players’ player of the season was Boikobo Osupile while player of the season was Leteng Legopelo and the best goal of the season went to Silas Kemiso.

The chairperson’s award went to Jacob Monyeki and Letlhogonolo Bantsi and best supporter of the season went to Ontiretse Didibeng. Ends