23 May 2017

With the Netball World Youth Cup 2017 kick off getting closer, preparations to host 19 countries in Botswana continue to intensify with the latest being unveiling of the games mascot called Naletsana.

Naletsana was unveiled on Sunday at BONA court just before the #ReaBaTsaa Spar Netball tournament final.

The Games mascot represents the culture and the history of the host country. They act as games ambassadors.

Botswana Netball Association (BONA) president Tebogo Lebotse- Sebego said the name Naletsana was suggestive of Botswana’s value and aspirations to shine and sparkle during the Netball World Youth Cup 2017 just like a diamond.

She said the name was also inspiration for the national team to shine, become victorious as well as standing together in unity in their quest for victory.

Talking about the context and background, Lebotse- Sebego said Netball World Youth Cup 2017 being hosted on home soil, would provide a platform and put the spotlight on young sportswomen who had spent time in preparations so that they could bring up their game and be the best that they could be.

She further said the Netball World Youth Cup was strictly for the girls under the age of 21, and it was therefore important that the mascot be within the same age bracket.

“The oldest girls that can play are 21 years old. We saw it fit that the mascot be the same age and this is because younger girls will view the mascot as a role model they can look up to and a friendly age mate for the girls that are in and around those years of age,” she said.

Furthermore, she said Naletsana qualities and traits were such that she was a girl with immense respect for all those around her, and she does exceptionally well at school and loves netball with passion.

She said Naletsana also was always willing to help those around her, and she was fluent in English, Setswana and most native languages found in the country.

“Like most girls of her age, she enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends, she has a younger sister which confers upon her a sense of responsibility,” she said.  ENDS