21 Mar 2019

The Zebras on March 20 donated food items and toiletries to children at the centre for the deaf ahead of their clash against Angola Friday (March 22).

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Zebra’s captain, Joel Mogorosi encouraged his teammates to rally behind the fight against HIV/AIDS, and to “walk the talk” since it was easy for young people to imitate what they saw them doing. Zebras coach,

Teenage Mpote said one of the biggest objectives of the national team was to support awareness campaigns against the HIV/AIDs pandemic.

The coach also underscored the need for Francistowners to support the Zebras against the Palacans Negras at the Francistown Sports Complex.

Francistown district youth coordinator, Minkie Bokole, who was speaking through a sign language interpreter, encouraged the children to guard against things happening around them.

She said government had set aside the month of March as the month of youth against HIV/AIDS, and that this year’s theme was: “My life, my future, my responsibility.”

She said the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development was concerned about the high number of teenage pregnancies.  

Bokole noted that 90 cases were recorded in Francistown with the youngest girl being 15-years-old while 1 510 pupils had sexually transmitted diseases and nine HIV positive.

She said both the infection rate and condom distribution were high, which raised questions.

She urged national team players to also have an input in the fight against teenage pregnancy.

Francistown deputy mayor, Godisang Radisigo likened the national team to a messiah by taking care of the innocent lives.

He applauded Botswana Football Association (BFA) for recognising the centre for the deaf school since the school rarely got donations and sponsorships like other schools.

The school head, Marguerite Chilimba said the learners were academically challenged and that they needed sponsorship to do practical courses which they excelled in. ENDS