01 Dec 2015

Botswana will host the 2017 Netball World Youth Cup and a Memorandum of Understanding between Botswana and the International Netball Federation has been signed.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, International Netball Federation (INF) president, Molly Rhone said the federation was pleased that Botswana would be hosting the cup in Gaborone in 2017.

Rhone said Botswana was a small nation with a big heart, inclusive, modern and forward looking which was the values the INF shares.

She said Africa was a region where netball was growing at an unprecedented rate with 20 member countries affiliated to the federation making it a joint largest region.

She also noted that Botswana was the first African country to host a netball event of such magnitude.

“We are thrilled that you will be sharing that experience with young netballers from 20 diverse countries and the federation values Botswana’s raw talent, enthusiasm and the energy that the country brings to sports as referenced by the Africa Youth Games,” she said.

She urged every individual to take part as it should be recognised that it was not only netball on show, but all about selling the country to potential investors in any field.

The president of Botswana Netball Association, Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego said in Botswana we call netball my first love as a way to define how people feel about the sport, and as a way to define the impact that netball has made in people’s lives.

Lebotse-Sebego noted that volunteering was difficult and a thankless calling.  She added that one has to do it with passion irrespective of negative accolades, noting that sometimes praise comes from an odd stranger who was least expected to appreciate.

She said although she started playing netball at a tender age, her personal inspiration and motivation was driven by empowering and instilling a legacy on the upcoming generation.

She noted that young netball players need motivation from all stakeholders for them to engage in positive behaviour. 

The local organising committee chairperson, Prisca Mokgadi said the INF board has visited all the different venues that the tournament would be held at, and that they were impressed. 

Mokgadi said  Botswana has promised that they would deliver a world class netball event in the African style. Ends