04 Jan 2016

A resident of Lehoko village near Maokane in the Southern District has lauded BOPA for extending news coverage to his village during Christmas holidays.

Speaking in an interview on the side lines of a six team soccer tournament in Lehoko, an organisor, Ontobetse Peloyame said journalists can make a huge difference covering events in rural communities.

He said news coverage especially of sports activities in the rural areas can spur young players to exert themselves hoping that someone could be watching.

Peloyame also argued that the presence of the media in the rural communities can expose the socio-economic conditions constituents have to battle with every day.

He said his area is rich in talent adding that news articles or photographs carried in the media can lure talent scouts to search for players in the area and help young talented players eke a living out of sport.

He said sponsors can also develop interest to assist teams in the rural areas motivated by the stories they read or hear.

A co-organisor Onkarabile Monametsi also reiterated that covering games in the village for news gives players hope. He said the games have never been covered before.

Monametsi also urged Botswana Football Association to visit rural communities and groom grass roots coaches. He said they use sport to keep the youth away from delinquent activities.

Collen Mminakgomo of Superstars scored two goals to see his side come from behind to beat Rama 3-2. ENDS