21 May 2018

The chairperson of Francistown Football Association (FRAFA), Maokaneng Bontshetse says the role of sports in bringing nations together cannot be underestimated.

Speaking at the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and Zambia Defence Force (ZDF) bilateral games on May 19, he said sporting activities have brought nations together, which under normal circumstances would not see eye to eye.

He further explained that around the world, sport played an important role in economies and forging new relationships.
Bontshetse added that the bilateral games were an opportunity to enhance and expand the scope of bilateral cooperation within the two military forces through sports.

“It is our hope and wish that the element of friendship, brotherhood and sisterhood will prevail among us during these games,” he added.
Bontshetse implored the soldiers from both military forces to network and share how best both armies could deal with current security challenges.

He said the two countries were facing cross border crimes, human trafficking, drugs and poaching among others, adding that the crimes posed a danger to economies as well as disrupting the normal way of life for ordinary citizens.

Furthermore, he noted that sport in the military was important as it contributed to the well-being of the soldier. He also noted that sport worked on the physical, mental and social elements of a combatant, which helped ready them to execute their tasks and duties.

Bontshetse urged all participants to exercise the spirit of sportsmanship and military discipline as they engaged in their different sporting activities. 
The ZDF basketball team won against the BDF whereas on volleyball BDF won against Zambia.
As for the endurance walk from Panda quarry to the old Francistown stadium, the BDF won by default as the ZDF team failed to arrive. Ends