13 Sep 2016

Although Boitumelo ‘Samachana’ Masilo’s 4x4 relay team did not make it to the podium finish at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games last month, residents of Molapowabojang led by Kgosi Kedirile Letshabo last weekend organised a fitting ceremony to welcome him back home.
Speaking during the event, which started with a motorcade around the village, Kgosi Letshabo said the athlete has put his village on the map.
Kgosi Letshabo urged the athlete who was accompanied by fellows like Baboloki Thebe, Leaname Maotoanong, Christine Botlogetswe, Loungo Matlhaku and Tsholofelo Thoke not to be bothered by the fact that they did not bring medals home because they still had age on their side and a promising future ahead.
“For all of us here you are still heroes, even if you did not get any silverware, you did us proud by putting the nation on the International map, most of you are in the early 20s and the future is bright,”he said.
Kgosi Letshabo encouraged other talented young people to take sport seriously adding many athletes were earning a decent living through God given talent. He cited that a certain African soccer player Yaya Touore earned around P4.2m a fortnight. Kgosi Letshabo further promised to organize a worthy send off event for Masilo in future.
Kgosi Michael Ratsoma in his welcome remarks earlier at Molapowabojang Primary School advised the learners to follow in Masilo’s foot prints and strive to be the best they could be in their studies and sport.
The event organiser Gaonyadiwe Nyere also head teacher at Masilo’s former school highlighted that the event was arranged with the intention to encourage upcoming athletes’ appetite for sport.
He said they also took advantage of the event to awaken the spirit of patriotism in the village.
Nyere was ecstatic that the event  would propel the momentum towards the nation’s 50 year independence celebrations on September 30 this year.
Masilo, for his part, encouraged learners to focus on their studies adding it was not easy to get a decent job without discipline and proper education.
He also urged talented young people to do sport. He said athletes around the world sustained themselves through sport.
Masilo further pleaded with Batswana to keep his team in prayers, adding they were plagued by injuries.
A tearful Rebaone Masilo; Boitumelo’s mother, also thanked residents for organising the event for her son. “I didn’t expect this kind of honour for my child,”she said.
Teammate Maotoanong commended the residents for organising a welcome ceremony for Masilo.
He said opportunities were abound in sport and likewise urged young people to take it seriously. ENDS