18 Mar 2020

Although Botswana has not yet registered a single positive case of COVID-19, the virus has already affected major sporting activities of different sporting codes.

They have been cancelled or postponed as a precautionary measure.

Botswana National Sport Commission recently informed all sporting codes about government’s decision to cancel all planned  external travel  as well as  the hosting of any international teams until further notice.

The decision has affected the Botswana U-17 women national team which was scheduled to travel to Morocco for a World Cup qualifier clash.

Botswana Football Association (BFA) has also been affected as they have suspended all football activities.

BFA argued that the health and well-being of players, supporters and stakeholders, and those involved in the operation of football matches was of utmost importance.

The other affected sporting code is Botswana Athletics Association (BAA), given that it is an Olympic year.

Botswana relay teams, both 4x400 men, women and mixed relay team, are yet to qualify, and for them to qualify they would have to travel outside Botswana to compete with other countries.

In a press release, BAA says their schedule of international events will also be cancelled until further notice to reduce the possible spread of the coronavirus into Botswana.

The release says it is important that BAA plays its part and acts responsibly in the mist of the health crisis.

It says as a subject of apprehension, BAA will liaise with the World Athletics on the issue closely to ensure that any cancellations of travel restrictions did not unduly disadvantage athletes from all parts of the world.

The World Athletics, the release says, is exploring options to adjust the qualifying system for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games if it becomes unbalanced due to competition cancellations or travel restrictions and will advise in due course if it becomes necessary.

Karate has also cancelled national team selections which were scheduled to take place on March 14 and 28.

A release from Botswana Karate Association says the ministry has advised that people should avoid contact with body fluids. It says in karate as a contact sport, it is impossible to have a championship without athletes touching each other, hence the cancellation. Ends