17 Aug 2015

Many football clubs in Botswana have neglected youth development, citing lack of resources as their main impediment.

But things are different in the Gaborone Regional Football Association (GRFA). 

Clubs in the region have braved financial challenges and committed themselves to operating well functioning youth development structures. Consequently, the region has been running a successful youth development league for the past five years. 

The associations youth development league vice chairperson, Karabo Letebele said the region’s development league was established in 2011 after realisation that young footballers lacked a proper platforms to nurture their football skills.

“We realised that many kids had potential but were not being nurtured properly. So, we decided to establish this league, which has 16 Under-15 teams and 16 Under-13 teams. Every team affiliated to this region is allowed to register a youth development team in this league,” Letebele explained in an interview during the league’s top eight competition at Lekidi Football ground over the weekend.

“Our league begins in January every year and breaks in March to allow kids to participate in school competitions.

We then continue the league after school competitions have ended. Afterwards the top eight teams in each age category proceed to play in our top eight tournament,” Letebele explained.

He said some clubs in the region have not yet established youth development sides, but that they have more than 50 affiliates.

Top Stars, Police, Amagents, White City, Happy Hearts, S’Modern, and Barclays made it to this year’s top eight competition in the Under-15 age category. 

Amagents, Top Stars, Police, White City, Happy Hearts, S’Modern, Barclays, and Barclays took part in the Under-13 category.

Top Stars claimed the title in the Under-13 category by beating Police 2-0 in the final. Stars took an early lead and doubled their advantage midway through the second half in a fast paced match. 

Barclays won the Under-15 category by defeating White City 2-1 in a tantalising final. 

Police required a penalty shoot-out to win bronze after beating Top Stars 4-3 in the 3^rd place play-offs for the Under-15 category. The two teams had played to a 2-2 draw in normal time.

Barclays defeated Happy Hearts 4-3 on penalties in the 3^rd place play-offs to win bronze medals in the Under-13 category. 

The two teams had battled out to a goalless draw.

Letebele said Haskins sponsored the top eight tournament with football kits for all 16 teams, match balls, trophies and medals.  He also said the company paid referees and medical personnel on duty at the competition over two days. 

“Haskins have been partnering us as an umbrella sponsor for the past three years. They have also committed to continue sponsoring us next year,” Letebele added. ENDS