Botswana to host continental Squash tourneys

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Thursday May 16, 2013 00:00

 

The announcement was made shortly after this year's edition, which was hosted by Namibia in February.At that tournament, Botswana's Alister Walker scooped the country's first squash medal, which was gold. Botswana got the nod to be the host nation thanks to its recent accomplishments at international level. The AASC is the most prestigious team event on the Squash Federation of Africa calendar.Botswana Squash Racket Association (BSRA) president, Tiego Kesebonye Rabashwa said their decision to bid to host the tournaments was in line with Botswana National Sport Council (BNSC) vision. BNSC has been urging its affiliates to host international events.'We have been awarded the hosting of the 2015 All Africa Squash Championships, both for juniors and seniors. It's in line with BNSC vision-they have been advising sport codes to host such events,' Rabashwa told Mmegi Sport.

He added that they are hopeful of BNSC's backing. The country has enough squash facilities to host tournaments of this magnitude: The Stadium Squash Club in Gaborone, the facilities at the Lobatse Stadium, Police College, Selebi Phikwe, Sowa and the new Francistown Stadium can potentially be used. Rabashwa said they have spoken to relevant authorities on the possibility of utilising some of them and responses have been positive.'We also have one at the new recreational centre at the university and we have spoken to them, they are willing to work with us.'Despite the availability of facilities, Rabashwa said there is urgent need to set up structures in the country to sustain the future of the game.

'We have enough facilities, we just need structures. We need to have committees running clubs at proper clubs and a running league,' he said.Botswana only made a return to the fold of continental competition in February this year when the country sent four players to the AASC and then subsequently the juniors.The last time Botswana was at an international squash event was when the country hosted the junior version back in 2007.In Namibia, Botswana competed with players from the host country, neighbours South Africa, Mauritius, Zambia and Nigeria.United States-based squash star Alister Walker, ranked number 14 in the world, won gold in the senior men's competition.

Walker is the reigning African champion and will be hoping to repeat his exploits at next month's World Championships in France. Again, Botswana will be participating for the first time with Walker expected to hoist the country's flag.