01 Jul 2020

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC), Tumiso Rakgare last Friday  paid a courtesy visit to former Zebras player Malepa “Chippa” Bolelang in Francistown.

The visit by the minister was in recognition of the former Ecco City Greens (Now City Green) and Zebras players’ contribution to football and to also check up on Bolelang’s health.

The former striker was involved in an accident in 2018 which resulted in the amputation of his right leg.

Minister Rakgare said the ministry had undertaken to assist, where they could, former players whose careers had been cut short by misfortunes such as accidents to show appreciation for their efforts.

Minister Rakgare was happy that Bolelang formed part of some players who had inspired the idea to help former players.

The minister said it would be unfortunate for the nation to turn a blind eye on efforts made towards the development of football in the country by players such as Bolelang.

Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, Maclean Letshwiti, who was present at the event, said it was essential to visit players such as Bolelang as they had significantly contributed to the development of football.

“We are not supposed to forget such individuals,” he said. Letshwiti said the presence of the minister was historical and commendable.

He also stated that the BFA, in partnership with the Footballers Union of Botswana (FUB), were in the process of setting up an insurance fund, which would be used to assist and take care of those that have had an input towards Botswana’s football.

As part of the courtesy visit, Rakgare presented Bolelang with a monetary donation from the BFA worth P5 000 and a personal donation from the minister worth P2 000.

The BFA also presented the former Zebras player with the national team’s attire in the form of a tracksuit and a food hamper.

For his part, Bolelang thanked the minister for the visit. He also encouraged the minister to carry on doing such noble works, saying that it was the right thing to do.

Footballers Union of Botswana president, Onalethata Tshekiso echoed Bolelang’s words, saying the feat was commendable, especially that those celebrated and recognised were still alive.

Some of Bolelang’s achievements include finishing the 2005 league season as the top goal scorer and contributing towards bringing the top tier league title north of Dibete for the first time by winning the 2006/7 Mascom league with Ecco City Greens. ENDS