The call was made during the 42nd Botswana Sport Awards ceremony held over the weekend. Setlhoko said the Minister has the power to convince government to resume school sport.
The sport has not been active for almost five years. She said a lot of talent has been lost due to that. “Youngsters have resorted to drugs and other socials ills because they have nothing to do.
This country is still going to suffer in the coming years because of this set up,” she said. Setlhoko was recognised by WASBO for her work in developing women’s football. She went home P10,000 richer. Responding to the call, Rakgare said he did not have the powers to influence government to bring back school sport. “Unfortunately I do not have those powers. I also want to see our young people in school play,” he said. Meanwhile, sprint sensation and world junior record holder, Letsile Tebogo was the biggest winner of the night. He bagged the biggest award of the night, Sportsperson of the Year, Minister’s Award and Junior Sportsman of the Year.
The Sportsperson of the Year award sponsored by Debswana Mining Company carries a cash price of P100,000. The Minister’s Award carries a cash prize of P25,000. The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) dominated the awards, raking in nine awards. Former BAA president, Paphane Botlhale was the first recipient of the night, taking home Sport Administrator of the year. The BAA was chosen as the National Sport Association (NSA) of the Year. National team assistant coach, Kebonyemodisa ‘Dose’ Mosimanyane emerged as the Coach of the Year. One lap sensation, Bayapo Ndori was on the stage receiving Sportsman of the Year award. Ndori had a remarkable season, reaching the 400m men’s final at the Oregon 22 World Athletics Championships. Rising star, Obakeng Kamberuka is the Junior Sportswoman of the Year.
The athlete has found a place in the women’s 4x400m relay team that will be competing at the Budapest World Athletics Championships. The men’s 4x400m relay team is the Team of the Year, recognition for reaching the final at the Oregon 22. Lethabo Modukanele of boxing broke athletics dominance by winning Sportswoman of the Year.
Neo Gabontshwe and Theo Nkele went home P75,000 richer for winning Sportsman and woman with disability awards sponsored by Debswana. In other awards, Sensei William Reene Ndombe of judo scooped Non-citizen Award and Umpire of the Year is Dorothy Okatch (basketball). Other Minister’s awards recipients are Keitumetse Pio Paul, Major David Bright (posthumously), and Ibrahim Ahmed. Media awards: Print Media of the Year: Mmegi. Print Journalist of the Year: Calistus Kolantsho. Electronic Media House of the Year: Btv. Photographer of the Year: Phenyo Moalosi.
