19 Apr 2022

Dr Dikoloti Best of the Best Easter Holidays Football Tournament has capacity to unearth talent and develop football.

Speaking in an interview after a two-day tournament in Lorwana on Sunday, Dr Dikoloti Annual tournament chairperson, Tshepiso Chalane, said the tournament could be used to discover untapped talent.

 “This is a platform for upcoming players to display their skills and be recognised by other teams such as in the premier league,” he said.

Having realised that talent could be unearthed through the tournament, Chalane said they always encouraged teams to make use of younger players, who could be recruited to more developed leagues.

He said the participating teams were from Mmathethe/Molapowabojang constituency, noting that the teams that took part in the tournament represented their areas after winning qualification games in their respective areas.

Chalane said although the tournament went well, they were concerned about some teams which failed to follow set rules.

He said they learnt from each event, adding that after the tournament they evaluated in an effort to determine what they did well and what needed to be done to improve.

 “We also encourage different teams to do the same,” he said.

For these kind of tournaments to bear fruits, he said there was need to involve Botswana Football Association (BFA) as well as referee’s association.

“Football leaders have to understand our aim and we have to involve them so that they could assist us where possible to grow this beautiful game,” he said.

He said to secure sponsors, all teams needed to take what they do seriously, adding that sponsors aligned their brands with more appealing products, hence the need to work hard to better position their teams.

Chairperson of Dr Dikoloti Annual tournament highlighted that all participating teams were each given P2 000 and the champions then walked away with P8 000 plus P2 000.

“This is the winner takes it all,” he said.

He said others who were given trophies on the day were best goal keeper, top goal scorer of the tournament, most entertaining player as well as the big trophy for the champions.

 “The champions were also awarded gold medals, while runner ups got silver medals,” he said.

Gatuma football club emerged champions of the tournament, having won 6-5 in penalties shootout against PV Monko football club, after 1-1 draw in the final.

PV Monko had won 5-4 through penalities against Digawana United, after a 1-1 draw in the semifinals, while Gatuma had beaten Amatalent football club 3-0 in the semifinals. ENDS