19 Jun 2018

The last lap of the constituency tournaments held in Tsabong over the weekend  were marred by violent conduct by some players.

The games were to determine those who would represent the region in Selebi Phikwe at the nationals. Despite the good preparations by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development together with the local organising committee, the tourney left much to be desired from some athletes from Makunda, as they ran riot when the referee signaled the end of the game.

It seems they were not pleased with the way the referee handled the game and his assistants.

Those close to action said one of the players uttered some unprintable words to the referee who retaliated with a slap on the face.

Players from Makunda then started beating officials.

Some spectators noted that it was not the first time that the Makunda boys disrupted games and beat up officials, saying the same thing occurred in 2017 when they lost to Khawa’s Real Brothers.

The case was reported to police and two of the players were charged P100 each for unruly behaviour.

The ministry’s coordinator, Betty Gaotingwe said they would look into the matter and take necessary measures as they did not condone unruly behavior during games.

There were 20 teams from different sporting codes from Kgalagadi South and North, Mabutsane-Jwaneng, Ghanzi South and north constituencies.

Real Brothers emerged winners in the football category. For netball it was team Batsumi from Ghanzi that outclassed their opponents.

Rising Stars from Tsabong won the volleyball women category while in the men’s category Young Fighters from Makunda will be representing the district.

The games, which were introduced in 2008 by former President Lt. Gen Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, were meant to get the youth out of the streets and unearth talent.

In areas where there was no form of entertainment such as the Kgalagadi region, the games have been given a warm reception and this was evidenced by large numbers of spectators and players alike who turned up. ENDS