15 Sep 2016

A Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) Under 13 team, Tlamelo Vultures, left for England on Wednesday (September 14), to play in the annual TourAid competition.

The competition brings together teams from different countries to compete in rugby and engage in cultural exchange activities. BRU regularly sent a team to play in this competition since 2008.

Dave Gilbert, the BRU president, said the tour was an opportunity for Tlamelo Vultures players since they would learn more about rugby and different cultures.

“The initiative (Tlamelo Vultures initiative) is progressing well though there are financial challenges. 

Some of the children who went on tour in the past are currently representing Botswana at under-18 level. 

We intend to drive this development programme a step further,” Gilbert said during the send-off ceremony for the team comprising 10 players and two officials in Gaborone on Tuesday (September 13).

Councilor for Old Naledi South, Mathata Mosekwa, said the community of Old Naledi was indebted to BRU for giving opportunities to its children.

 “We have since 2008, sent children from old Naledi to England and it has been a life changing experience for them.

The trips have given them a chance to see new things and I hope it will be the case with these boys as well. 

I hope the trip will open their eyes and they will come back different, the way they perceive things, rather than looking at things with old Naledi eyes,” the councilor said.

The players, all from Tshwaragano Primary School are: Oteng Sesu, Omphemetse Malele, Matthews Phaladi, Rapula Matlhola, Larona Orakile, Bakgoni Kebuletswe, Mosimanegape Mugara, Tshepo Ntwayamodimo, Admire Mogotsi and Oratile Ramakoko. The team is coached by Moabi Matlhare, while Zilwele Khumalo is team manager. ENDS