GABORONE: 29 November 2023, the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Honourable Tumiso Rakgare, officially opened the 2023 Africa Netball Cup held at the UB Indoor Sports Arena. This continental tournament expected to run from 28th November 2023 until 6th December 2023, attracted five (5) ladies national teams namely; Eswatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya and the host Botswana. Meanwhile the men’s participating countries are the host Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya. As is the norm, the event kicked off with participating teams parade around the court waving their national flags.
In delivering her welcome remarks the Botswana Netball Association (BONA) President, Ms Malebo Raditladi-Nkgakile, welcomed all countries taking part in the tournament and Africa Netball, World Netball for the opportunity to host this esteemed tournament. BONA President also expressed profound gratitude to all sponsors, especially Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) for the sponsorship toward this tournament.
When delivering the keynote address, Hon Minister Tumiso Rakgare, “It is indeed delightful to note that a strong collaboration exists between World Netball, Africa Netball, Botswana Netball Association, and all African Members associations present here. I trust that we have all benefitted separately and jointly from the synergies that all bodies have forged over the years”. The Minister further thanked ODC and other sponsors who made this event possible.
Representing ODC, Chief Financial Officer Ms Lialesa Makepe said this collaboration symbolizes collective efforts to elevate the sport, empower athletes and contribute to the overall development of Sport in Botswana. She further highlighted “The P300, 000.00 sponsorship from ODC serves as a catalyst for the realization of BONA’s strategic goals outlined in their Sport Vision 2028.”
In delivering the closing remarks, the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) Chairperson, Mr. Marumo Morule, commended partners and sponsors for their contribution toward this event and also implored Batswana to support our athletes. The event concluded with Oath taking by the captain, official and volunteer.