18 Aug 2021

The sport fraternity has lost a number of members due to COVID-19 compelling the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) to support government’s decision to suspend sport activities.

Whilst cognizant of the repercussions that the decision would have on those that were making a living from sport, the commission also comprehended and subscribed to the approach taken by the health officials.  

Speaking during a virtual press briefing on Tuesday August 17, BNSC chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho, said the commission was working tirelessly to ensure that all athletes were vaccinated, especially those earmarked to represent the country at international competitions.

Regarding Makwala having taken his first vaccine in Europe after the Olympics, he said they had secured a vaccine for him and offered to transport him to Botswana for his jab before going to Tokyo, but he chose not to come back to the country noting that it might be a challenge for him to re-enter Europe.

Serufho said they intended to send representatives from 11 codes to AUSC region 5 games, which would be held in Lesotho in December 2021.

 He said they intended to send 177 athletes and P12.5 million had been set aside for preparing and taking the team to Maseru.

BNSC, he said, had been tasked with guaranteeing that the promised two bedroomed houses for the 4x400 Olympic team were delivered to identified athletes within reasonable time.

 “If the  houses are not delivered blame me, but I promise Batswana that our athletes would get the houses soon,” he said.

Serufho indicated that stadiums and some of their facilities were not in a desired state and an audit had been undertaken to determine what needed to be done to improve the situation.

However, he explained that the funds they had were far much less than the scope of work to be done, adding that they had therefore started engaging with their international partners to assist.

The CEO further appealed to the private sector to lend a helping hand.

He highlighted that sport facilities would be constructed at some of centre of excellence schools such as Radisele Secondary School and Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School in this financial year.

“The purpose of the schools is to nurture talent in a contained environment, in an effort to elevate our athletes from grass roots to international stars,” he said.

Due to challenges brought about by COVID-19, he indicated that they had taken a decision to cancel 2021 Botswana Games, which would obviously affect development especially since school sport had not been available for some time now.

 “We are working around the clock to find ways to address all these challenges,” he said.

Pertaining to sport awards, the BNSC CEO indicated that they were exploring ways of hosting modified awards, adding that the public would be informed in due course about the nature and form they might take.

Serufho indicated that the commission had embarked on a restructuring exercise to align their secretariat to the new mandate and strategy.

Furthermore, he said in collaboration with BNOC, they had engaged the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, with a view to define the more suitable system for Botswana sport. ENDS