BNSC disappoints BABA

MOGOMOTSI MOLOI
Correspondent | Friday February 22, 2008 00:00

Hosts, Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) postponed the event in midweek after they apparently experienced some logistical problems. Re Ba Bona Ha is a development programme introduced by BNSC to unearth talent from children Under 17 years. It started with football before being rolled out to volleyball. Boxing will be the third code to benefit.  In an interview yesterday, a disappointed Kemoen told Mmegi Sport that they have a calendar of events that they have to follow but such delays obviously disadvantages BABA. 'We were ready for the launch of the development programme. All schools were informed in time and now we have to cancel all the invitations, which is another work again,' he said.

He disclosed that they have a heavy schedule this year while other projects are pending; so any further delays will be counterproductive. 'This will certainly interfere with our schedule,' he said, adding that a series of events are awaiting their attention this year. He cited events like school holiday camps, on-going Olympic Qualifiers preparations, training of club officials and judges, among others.

BABA Sports Development Officer Healer Modiradilo expressed hope that though the inconvenience is felt, the development programme would soon be rolled out to them as BNSC has promised.

The development officer however expressed worry that clubs are dragging their feet in developing athletes. He said Re Ba Bona Ha will help them tap young talent for the future. He admitted that though BABA has done much to develop judges, coaches and administrators, it is lagging behind in terms of youth development.

When contacted, BNSC communications officer Chris Modipe, confessed that the postponement of Re Ba Bona Ha programme launch is a drawback both for the sports council and BABA. He confirmed that they postponed the launch because 'a lot of things were not prepared in time'. 'There are a lot stakeholders involved and some received the invitations late. We felt that we might not achieve the maximum support we are anticipating,' said Modipe.

He conceded that the delay was caused by BNSC itself. 'Maybe someone slept on the job or did not do his or her job in time, I do not know,' he fumed after Mmegi Sport enquired why the delay yet this was a planned event.

He strongly refuted allegations that BNSC is besieged by financial woes, hence they showed reluctance to introduce Re Ba Bona Ha in boxing. Contrary to reports doing the rounds, Modipe said BNSC is prepared to finance the programme.

Though he is unsure of the venue, he told Mmegi Sport that the event will certainly be held on April 28.