24 Jun 2018

Sport is increasingly becoming a career choice for many people with the majority being youth, Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Thato Kwerepe has said.

Officially closing the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sport Association (CUCSA) 2018 Games on June 22, Kwerepe said it was therefore imperative for athletes to take sport seriously and use their God-given talents to excel and sustain themselves.

Furthermore, he said athletes should be cognizant of the fact that they had the potential of competing at the highest level such as World Cup and at the Olympic Games.

He, however said they could only excel in their careers if they remained disciplined and shunned drugs and performance-enhancing substances.

“Remember to always play by the rules, doping is not cool, nor is it a reflection of sportsmanship, play and win fair at all times,” he said.

Most sport, he said were age sensitive while many athletes retired for various reasons in their early 30’s adding that Games such as CUCSA gave them a platform to excel in their chosen sport and unleash their full potential.

Kwerepe said in this era of unemployment, especially in the youth demography, it was always gratifying to see people who were willing and able to venture into less tried fields of potential employ. At the games, South Africa gave other teams a tough competition and as they emerged winners of the CUCSA Games and bagged 25 gold medals, 16 silver medals and seven bronze medals. Position two went to Zimbabwe with 10 gold medals, eight silver, and 13 bronze medals.

The host, Botswana finished on position three with nine gold medals,18 silver medals, and  22 bronze medals, while Zambia and Malawi finished on position four and five respectively.

Botswana also emerged champions in Netball, and Volleyball women’s team.

The next Games will be hosted by Lesotho Universities and Colleges Sport Association in 2020. ENDS