07 Dec 2015

The youth and small business operators are optimistic that the just started Botswana Games will boost their businesses.

Speaking in an interview, one such business operator, Tshepiso Mahelo, a resident of Kgaphamadi who sells fruits and sweets, said she is looking forward to making a lot of profit during the games.

She is hopeful that with a lot of people coming to the second city, her business will move to another level more so that fruits are good for sports people.

While others are hoping that the games will boost their businesses, John Muzila, who is taxi operator, has a feeling that his business will be negatively affected by the games.

 Muzila said every taxi will be heading to the sports venues leading to congestions, noting that with the ongoing construction of the A1 Road and lack of proper internal roads, it will take time to reach such venues.

He said since all the athletes and officials will have arranged transport, the taxi operators will be left with a few people to transport.

A combi driver from Borolong, Josfat Mangoyana said Botswana Games will enable him to make extra profit as his combi passes by the stadium on the way to Borolong. 

He said he hopes to benefit from the games as he will be picking a lot of people to and from the stadium.

Meanwhile, the games organising committee chairperson, Bobby Gaseitsewe said they will allow those who want to sell their goods outside the stadium.

 He also said they will engage authorities at other sporting facilities to allow vendors to do business.

The games will be used as qualifiers for the African Union Region 5 Under 20 Youth Games billed for August next year.

During the games, athletes are expected to compete in athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, chess, karate, netball, football, softball, swimming, tennis and volleyball. ENDS