Botswana: Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture Tumiso Rakgare reiterated the Government’s commitment towards sports development. He said this during the inaugural BFA awards held over the weekend.
He said the sport has a trickle benefit across other sectors, and the Government will always support its advancement.
He said this is evidenced by the move during the Covid-19 pandemic when the government decided To relieve premier league players with or without a contract for a sum of P2500 for three months.
Teams are no longer required to pay when they use government stadiums, as was previously the case for football clubs to pay a certain fee to BNSC for the use of stadiums to host their premier league games.
According to Minister Rakgare is to ensure that teams raise funds to run daily errands as well as to pay players.
He further indicated that the ban on alcohol at stadiums will be lifted in a move to encourage supporters to fill stadiums and to create more revenue for Batswana businesses.
The Minister encouraged the private sector to sponsor sports, affirming that football development is expensive and needs financial support.
He applauded BFA for hosting the first ever football awards.
AWARDS CATEGORIES
1. Women’s Referee of the year- Seonyatseng Joyce Tshepe
2. Men’s Referee of the year- Keabetswe Dintwa
3. Women’s Assistant Referee of the year- Dorcus Chenset
4. Men’s Assistant Referee of the year-Lucky Kegakologetswe
5. Coach of the year- Seemo Mpatane of Eleven Angles
6. Women’s Footballer of the year-Lesego Radiakanyo of Double Action
7. Men’s Footballer of the year-Benson Mangolo of Jwaneng Galaxy
8. BFA President’s Award- Matshidiso ‘Sexton’ Kowa
1. Best Region in Good Governance and Administration- South East Regional Football Association
2. Best Region in League Management- Nhabe Regional Football Association
3. Best Region in Youth Football- Central South Regional Football Association
4. Best Region in Women’s Football- Gaborone City Regional Football Association
5. Women’s Football Team of the Year- Granada Football Association
6. Men’s Football Team of the Year- Taffic Football Club