PERSPECTIVE SPORTS MARCH/APRL 2023

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YOUNG COACHES

SPORTS UNIONS

BONA 2027

SPORTS TOURISM

ORANGE CONTINUES

PHIKWE MARATHON

EDITOR'S BUBBLE IS PRINT MEDIA UNDERRATED OR BIG BRANDS DOUBT OUR CAPABILITIES TO ADVERTISE WITH US?

MPHO MAOKA FOR PERSPECTIVE MAGAZINE

Despite what you may have heard, reports of the “death of print” have been greatly exaggerated. A recent survey found out that 88% of magazine readers still prefer to consume articles via print.

While half of respondents to the state-of-the-media survey, aged 14 to 75 owned a smartphone, most of them subscribed to at least one printed magazine . Of course, with the adoption of tablet devices on the rise, this figure could well be out of date already – particularly given the rapid improvement in the quality of digital publications, and the demand for them to do more than merely replicate the content of print titles online. But, regardless of some highprofile print closures in recent years, the stories of doom and gloom in the publishing industry have been tempered by a minirenaissance in independent titles. The old-fashioned paper and ink has an unlikely saviour!

“Ironically, I attribute it to the internet,” states Jeremy Leslie, the man behind magculture.com, a site any self-respecting magazine junkie should bookmark.

Leslie continues: “A lot of people have discovered

their opinions and voices writing blogs and sharing in social networks.

“A natural next step is to create something permanent … I think the mainstream publishers have let down the industry and individuals are trying to create better publications.

“But it’s not just amateurs who are responsible. Some of the internet’s big players fashion sites- such as style.com, asos. com and netaporter.com, online kids’ game Moshi Monsters and yes, even Google itself – are now publishing print magazines, using traditional media to refresh the parts of their business model that other solutions can’t reach.

“For online brands, print is a neat way of gaining extra marketing attention and boosting their community, even if there’s no money in it.

“I like the South African magazine models, the print publications that started the empire. They still exist to anchor the brands and define the voices.

“But the money comes from the TV channels, the brand partnerships, the events and their relevant stakeholders.

“You might be able to look at a digital game or magazine on an

iPad, but you can’t cut things out, colour-in, take pen to paper or stick it on your wall.

“This idea of the permanence of print, particularly among younger generations supposedly reared in the digital age, is something dear to them.

“When we watch students with books, there’s a very different experience, there’s that power of having something physical that they own, particularly when they write and see their name in print; it’s always there. With computers, it’s all gone at the touch of a button.

“For all the wily charms of the digital world with its tweets, feeds, blogs and apps, there is nothing like the pleasure created by ink and paper,” While admitting that “liveblogging and the pounding waves of the twenty four hour news cycle have their appeal”, our monthly magazine instead takes a leisurely and contrary look backwards over the previous three weeks before publication. We have no interest in creating throwaway media, We want to make something which is treasured, which ends its days making the bookshelf, coffee table or toilet, just that little bit prettier and more civilised. Our readers are often writing blogs anyway because the beauty of online is that it allows them to instantaneously share with a larger audience.

But the relationship with books is different. Kids take books home and they can keep them. Some students come from underprivileged backgrounds, and often, these children only have religious books at home.

It’s often counterproductive to create divisions and make comparisons between the worlds of online and print.

It’s our admittedly unorthodox opinion that the two can co-exist, and in fact should co-exist, But they need to do things differently to survive. The magazine, and indeed any physical book, needs to set itself apart from the web. Physical forms of the written word need to offer a clear and different experience. And if they do, we believe, they will survive. Print does certain things very well. There’s a sense of reward and the luxury of devoting time to the printed page that you can’t put a price on.

But at the same time, there’s an immediacy and ‘shareability’ to the online world that’s just as valuable in its own unique way. However, we found out that the print magazine is so much more efficient in terms of budget and recognition than doing a streaming media website, which we aspired to back then.

So the magazine got a life of its own and grew into a big glossy mag celebrating print’s qualities.

Ironically, the website now serves primarily as an archive for the magazine.

Says Leslie, “magazines are simply very effective ways of engaging with people. To the greatest extent, it just seems like common sense to us that any company would want to communicate with people “More than that, it’s proof that creativity and ideas will always find new ways to inspire younger generations.”

Computers and video games haven’t killed physical toys and games, so there’s no reason why

the digital world should kill print. Lack of innovation or providing a poor product is far more likely to do that. The amazing range of technological opportunities that can be used to support and interact with print are definitely a bonus, not a threat.”

Anyone that’s on my table has had to defend me at some point in their life.

Ask any boxer, “In the third round, when he hit you from the side on your ear, how did that specifically feel?”

You wouldn’t dare ask a boxer that. Because you know they’re there to fight.

Meaning now you know I’m here to fight. I’m here to fight for the re-education of what celebrity is.

To say, “Yes, we are celebrities, but yes, we’re also innovators, we’re also inventors, we’re also thoughtful.”

Brand journalism does not mean marketing without a strategy. Every brand needs to have a strategy that includes a clearly defined brand framework, delineating the brand boundaries within which the brand is free to be creative.

The brand framework ensures that the brand’s promise remains consistent. We call our approach “freedom within a framework.”

The brand framework is the editorial policy that defines the distinctive character of the brand, as well as the boundaries within which the brand stories are created.

Mpho Mooka

To be continued in our next issue

BONA 2027 OFFICIALLY KICKSOFF JOINT BID FOR THE 36TH EDITION OF THE AFRICAN CUP OF NATION (AFCON) 2027 BETWEEN BOTSWANA AND NAMIBIA HAS TAKEN OFF AFTER BOTH COUNTRIES SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING IN GABORONE.

BONA2027 bidding team consisting of members from both countries are, The Chairperson Ashford Mamelodi, The Vice Chairperson, John Muinjo Football Expert (Botswana), Phazha Butale, Football Expert (Botswana), Segolame Ramotlhwa, Acting Director of Sport (Namibia), Irvine Ndjavera, Director of Sport (Botswana), Imon Bogosi, Botswana National Sport Commission, Tuelo Serufho, Football Expert (Namibia MSYNS) ,Timothy Tjongarero, Botswana Football Association CEO, Mfolo Mfolo, Acting Secretary General (NFA) Jacqueline Gertze, Football Expert (NFA), Tovey Hoebeb, Secretariat to the Bid Technical Committee and Rogerdeltry Kambatuku

When opening the ceremony, Minister of Youth, Gender, Sports, Arts and Culture Tumiso Rakgare said Botswana and Namibia are united as one. In the past, now and in the future. ‘Together, we come a long way. Our history is rooted in trade, culture, traditions, language, religion and many aspects of life’.

Botswana and Namibia have been trading partners for centuries. Long before our independence in 1966, and long before Namibia’s independence in 1990. Our people have demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt, that together they can harmoniously share food, water, wildlife, diamonds, culture, language and many other beautiful things that life gives them. Like brothers and sisters, we have had a fair share of misunderstanding as is common in all families; it is how we resolved these differences that show you that indeed Namibia is to Botswana what you are to your brother or sister. You resolve your differences amicably and work together for the good of the both of you.

Quoting some famous icons Minister Tumiso Rakgare says accomplished Kenyan Mexican actress Lupiya Nyongo’ once said; indeed, all your dreams are valid. Nelson Mandela, the universal symbol of hope once said; it is impossible until it is done.

‘Now, i have demonstrated that Botswana and Namibia are siblings, we are brother and sister. I have demonstrated the adversity that both countries have gone through during colonisation, and before, and after through our independence. We have remained strong through the storms. We must remain even stronger when we dream together. We must walk this path side by side, with our hands held together as one’. He went on.

LOCALLY BREWED FORMER PLAYERS TAKE TO COACHING

High flying young coaches show their mettle (picture photo of Mpho)

Their names and images have graced the pages of leading publications and television screens. They did what they had to do to the satisfaction of their fans and other sports enthusiasts. Some of them hold national records in their respective fields.

And now, Keitumetse “Pio”

Paul, Seipei Gaelisiwe, Lechedzani “Master” Luza, Mpho Bakwadi, Bobby Khupe, Glody Dube and many more have been on the touchlines and ring corners in recent competitions and this brought back countless memories of their time as active players. They are very passionate, shouting instructions, pacing up and down touchlines, no more as the days they were their teams’ winners when unlocking their opponents’ defences and eventually emerging triumphant. These were all top quality in their day on the field of play and are now forging their careers as top coaches. Indeed, there is an increasing number of former local athletes and international stars who have been given

opportunities to work as head coaches. Definitely, club owners and national bodies must be lauded for a job well done.

This simply means the number of ineffective imports from outside the country that used to dominate the country’s coaching structures is increasingly limited these days.

General consensus is that our own stars of the past are being given a chance to coach at the top level has been noticed by management and hence they have done their part. These posts are not for the faint-hearted and it is up to them to prove they are capable of leading national teams and they must know that these days pressure comes from all corners of the game, be it supporters, management, investors and even players themselves and there is no more give us time we are still rebuilding.

Big countries that we envy and adore in sports do not have time either, so what is so special about us which has never been there? Probably the best sport in the country, softball has been rebuilding forever when they have participated in numerous world cups.

Boxing and karate still have a point to prove to the nation as most stars have come from them and they never really convinced enough. We have them young coaches but do they have enough experience to play at international level?

Young coaches need to use these opportunities, not only for themselves but for many with the same profile like them

and have similar ambitions if not more determined, they have quality to work with and if they are to help prove that former star players can go on and become good coaches, they only have limited time to us.

Former international athletic superstar Glody Dube who also serves within the athletics body says it depends, arguing that it does not necessarily mean that if you are a good athlete or sportsman automatically you are destined to be a good coach.

He says this comes from his personal experience where as president of Botswana Athletics Association (BAA), there is a lot happening behind the scenes, adding that from outside it looks easy.

“There is pressure of working with too many people and they all need answers,” says Dube. This simply means the number of ineffective imports from outside the country that used to dominate the country’s coaching structures is increasingly limited these days. It seems general consensus that our own playing stars of the past be given a chance to coach at the top level has been noticed by management and hence they (management) have been roused into action. These are not posts for the faint-hearted and it is up to them to prove they are capable of leading national teams and they must know that these days pressure comes from all corners of the game, be it supporters, management, investors and even players themselves and

there is no more, “give us time we are still in a rebuilding process.”

The former secretary general of the Botswana Golf Union (BGU),who is also a professional golf player Mpho Kelosiwang says this is a sensitive issue because it can mislead.

“Yes, they (sports clubs and national teams) need experience and skills of former players, but management is a completely different level.

“People should be careful when it comes to administration because it’s a totally different ball game. Remember now we talking building sports as an industry where lots of things are involved.

“We are even talking about taking care of the grassroots, players, supporters and working with other stakeholders, hence sacrificing your time,” Kelosiwang argues..

Big countries that we even adore in sports do not have time either, so what is so special about us which has never been there, probably the best sport in the country, softball has been rebuilding forever when they have participated in world cups.

Boxing and karate still have a point to prove to the nation as most stars have come from them and they never really convinced enough. We have them young coaches but do they have enough experience to play at international standards level?

Young coaches need to use these opportunities, not only for themselves but for many with the same profile like them and have similar ambitions if not more determined, they have quality to work with and if they are to help prove that former star players can go on and become good coaches, they only have limited time to us so. Our young coaches will find themselves judged harshly in the beginning because there is always doubters no matter what and it always happens and if they perform miracles, they will strike an important blow for other young coaches in an increasingly market and we will be willing on them. The question is, are they taking us somewhere in terms of progress?

MEET AND GREET: DR TSHUBE

1. Briefly introduce yourself to our readers (profile).

a. Dr. Tshepang Tshube is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physical Education, Health & Recreation at the University of Botswana. Tshube holds a Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Michigan State University.

2. What is your mandate in UB and national teams?

a. My primary mandate at the University of Botswana is to teach sport and exercise psychology and also do research on sports related issues. I am an active researcher in Southern Africa published in areas of life skills, mental skills, dual career, coach-athlete relations, and elite athlete retirement transition. My recent publications include Southern Africa perspectives to coach-athlete relations, Olympians Career Path in Southern Africa, and Cultural Perspectives to Sport Psychology.

I have been awarded amongst others the 2013 IOC Graduate Scholar Award and in collaboration with colleagues, the 2017 African Alliance Award. In addition to my academic work, I am a member of the Botswana National Olympic Committee High-Performance Commission. I also provide sports psychology services to team Botswana. I often work and travel with team Botswana. I accompanied team Botswana to the 2016 Olympic Games, 2018 Commonwealth Games and several Africa Championships.

3. What type of outreach do you apply to students and athletes who seek the type of services you can provide?

a. My students are heavily engaged in a number of outreach activities. First, my first year undergraduate students set up their own volunteer experiences at sporting events/ institutions and or any sport outlet. The purpose of this engagement is to have students

learn crucial skills such as communication, time management, collaboration, and adaptability. This assignment has been rewarding. Some of my students build network and resume from this assignment. Graduate students organize workshops and present in different platforms. For example, my students and I just hosted a panel discussion on the proposed 10 community sports facilities.

4. Let’s talk about your overall plan for Sports in the country hence you sometimes help at national level.

a. My plan and dream about sports in Botswana is to educate through research, workshops, presentations, seminars and lectures. In my opinion, most of our challenges are due to lack of expertise in a number of areas. For example, our coaches need to be well trained in holistic athlete development. Focusing on specific athletic skills is not enough. In addition, our leaders need to know that sport management and leadership is a science.

5. Mr Tshube you’ve hosted Sports Science and Medicine symposium, what actually prompted you to have this?

a. I have hosted a number of lectures, workshops and seminars. Note that I have not hosted a sports medicine symposium but generally sport psychology, leadership and athlete development symposiums. As indicated in your previous question, there is need for more knowledge in our sports community. One of the reasons for my seminars is to bridge the gap between academia and practice. Concepts and theories developed in academia need to be tested in applied settings.

6. From the symposium you touched on many aspects of athletes health, finance management and serious injuries that can end their careers can you briefly take us through this

a. My seminar did not address these

7. Future of Sports in the country, how do you see it especially with development structures that we have, do we see more medals in the upcoming global competitions?

a. I foresee more challenges in the future. I am deeply worried about the relationship between the Ministry of Basic Education and the sports community. There is need for a solution in this impasse because teachers are core to the development of athletes and sports in the country. There should be a solution to remunerations on this issues. If BISA fails to organize and host sports across the country, we lose a huge number of talented athletes and that kills sports development. Research provide evidence that over 90% of world class athletes are developed in a school set up. If we are really committed to athlete development, we need to focus our efforts to schools.

8. How is your relationship with sports codes in the country including the teams?

a. I currently enjoy a very positive relationship with our sports community including different sporting codes. I had the honour to work with a lot of federations including but not limited to BNOC, BNSC, BAA, BONA, and BOSA.

9. On the international level, do you have relations with your counterparts outside the country and is it of beneficial to the sports in the native nations?

a. I have a huge network globally. I have collaborations at Michigan State University, The University of Queensland, Western Kentucky University, University of Ghana, and San José State University. These collaborations have been significant in benefiting our sports in Botswana. For example, my colleague at The University of Queensland and I were in 2015 funded by the Association of Applied Sport Psychology to conduct workshops in Botswana on life skills and sport psychology. I have just been invited to spend a week as visiting scholar at San José State University. I will give lectures and develop network for further collaborations.

10. Lastly like you mentioned we have facilities but why are the other countries still beating us when it comes to games and your last words please!

a. Facilities are not enough for success at major games. We need clear talent development programs.

Inspiring Sweet Future For All” Its guided by the United Nations Sustainable goals of Health, Wellness and Education. When Blue Crystal Sukiri sponsor a wellness event like Kazungula it provides platform for Batswana to take part in wellness activities resulting in healthier living that has been proven to reduce cases of NCDs.

Q&A

BLUE CRYSTAL SUKIRI JOINS HANDS IN SUPPORT ING FNB KAZUNGULA BRIDGE MARAT HON QUEST IONS AND ANSWERS

WI T H HEAD OF MARKET ING SALES AND DIST RIBUT ION, T HAPELO MFOSI ABOUT HOW T HEY GO ABOUT SPONSORSHIPS

Give us reasons why Blue Crystals Sukiri has been successful in sponsoring some community events such as marathons and cancer awareness, how do you manage to do this all?

Its about Blue Crystal Sukiri bringing its purpose to live. Our purpose is “Inspiring Sweet future For All” Its guided by the United Nation Sustainable goals of Health, Wellness and Education. When Blue Crystal Sukiri sponsor a wellness event like Kazungula its provides platform for Batswana to take part in wellness activities resulting in healthier living that has been proven to reduce cases of NCDs

Usually, who is your target audience and what type of activities are most appealing to you when sponsoring events of this magnitude?

Primary target ismainly the broader population but its worth noting that 18 to 45 years old are normally the group that takes part in the marathons and other wellness activities. The activities that we engage in should have signif icant and positive impact to the society we operate in and in line with Blue Crystal Sukiri brand purpose as indicated earlier.

What role are you playing in empowering sportsmen hence they are faced with diff iculties?

Blue Crystal Sukiri is also in partnership with Lobatse Cycling Team assisting the team in their mandate and also sponsors Lobatse Mountain Walk with proceeds going to Lobatse Ladies Soccer Team. All these initiatives are meant to empower local sports teams to navigate through their daily challenges and opportunities

What is the overall plan for Blue Crystal Sukiri in Sports and where do you think your

sponsorship f its in local Sports?

The plan centres around marathons, wellness, athleticism, that is, Kazungula Bridge marathon, Diacore Marothon, Salt Pans 100km marathon, Lobatse Mountain Walk. These are notable local events that have international appeal. By being involved we are taking the local sports fraternity to another level because some of these events are now recognised in the international athletics calendar

What is your expected return on investment based on sponsorship objectives?

These efforts are all about the community we operate in, they are also about relevance of the organisation, in fact Deloitte Global Marketing Trends report of 2022 indicated that brands are struggling with relevance and one way of closing that gap is engaging on ESG initiatives which is a topical issue internationally. So, we start f irst by taking part part in these ESG Initiatives to build relevance and ROI will follow

So far what is your impression about the response you get from your sponsorships?

Its been beyond expectation, the feedback about our execution has been excellent and we hope to keep on improving

How do you manage to pull together events of this magnitude?

for execution. That is the only way you can pull it through, ensuring maximum awareness and participation.

Your last words to aspiring sporting women and men?

Its Fun, good for our bodies, networking platforms also, you can make a living out of it as we see it in other developing countries. From ordinary man out there who is not an athlete remember 10,000 steps everyday prevent chances of NCDs

Should the nation expect more support from you

Def initely, we are where we are because of Batswana therefore we will do anything possible and in line with the brand to give back to our community thereby inspiring a sweet future for all.

‘GABORONE MEET’ MEETS EXPECTATIONS

The Gaborone International Meet is the only international track and field competition hosted in Botswana. This year people weredetermined to attend with the kids especially as it would be last chance to see national treasure Isaac ‘Badman’ Makwala running locally.

The man eventually took the microphone to announce his retirement plans pointing out that he is not all lost to sport but will be participating mostly abroad as he nears

to put down his tools. STATEMENT ON LETSILE TEBOGO’S WORLD U20 RECORD.

This serves to inform your esteemed selves that the World Athletics has taken a decision not to Ratify Letsile Tebogo’s time of 9.96 as a World Under-20 Record, set in the men’s 100m on the 30th of April 2022, during the Gaborone International Meet Continental Bronze Tour. BAA ascertains that despite the outcome of the World Record, the time remains valid as a National Record, Area U20 Record and a qualifier for the Oregon 22 World Championships. The decision resulted from lack of conducting a zero- gun test during the test of the timing equipment, which is required to confirm the accuracy of timing equipment prior to a race. Nonetheless, the zero test was conducted

post the event which World Athletics acknowledged and appraised. Due to submission post the event, World Athletics could not consider the application.

The Botswana Athletics Association bears full responsibility of the outcome.

First in history for Botswana! Letsile Tebogo has become the first athlete to run a sub 10s for his country, racing to a National Record of 9.96s (+1.9) to win the men’s 100m at the Gaborone International Meet. Tebogo is now 3rd fastest in the world this year and has now qualified for the World Championships in Oregon.

APPRECIATION POST

GLODY DUBE.

HE USED TO MAKE PEOPLE COME TO THE STADIUM TO WATCH HIM RUN, NOW HE MAKES PEOPLE COME TO THE STADIUM TO SEE INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES COMPETE AT THE GABORONE INTERNATIONAL MEET. GIM IS A WORLD CLASS ATHLETICS’ MEET THAT TAKES PLACE IN GABORONE, BOTSWANA. IT WAS RECENTLY AWARDED A BRONZE STATUS BY THE WORLD ATHLETICS MAKING IT THE FIRST OF IT’S KIND IN BOTSWANA AND SOUTHERN AFRICA. IT ATTRACTS ATHLETES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AND STANDS A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF BEING PROMOTED TO A SILVER STATUS OR BETTER. THE GIM MASTERMIND

In the recent months age fraud has manifested itself in CAF’s junior tournaments. In August, three Kenyan players were disqualified from the CECAFA U17 tournament in Tanzania after they failed MRI tests.

The other time Benin’s U17 team was disqualified from the WAFU-B U17 after half of their players failed the test. Niger, Burkina Faso, Togo, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire had one player each sent home.

The mandatory use of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was introduced by FIFA in 2009 for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup to help ascertain whether players are over age or not. MRI is considered to be 99% accurate until the age of 17, after which it becomes harder for medical professionals to calculate a person’s age. But what prompts age cheating?

In some cases it’s never really the fault of the player. Dr Yacine Zerguini is the vice president

of the CAF Medical Committee, and also a member of the FIFA Medical Committee. He says that in the case of Under-17 age cheats:

“We know that it is not generally bad intention or purpose if players are biologically above 17 years. In some countries, birth certificates are

But age cheating is killing African football. Egyptian Football Association media officer Medhat

“

Shalaby likens age fraud to a cancer in African football

inaccurate or even not available, without that being the fault of the player or the association.” But things get different when federations are asked to do independent MRI scans for age tests, before CAF conducts its tests before a tournament and still, overage players get busted. Several high-placed officials within the various associations and the ministries have acknowledged that they have at times deliberately created ‘football ages’, so that older players are still eligible for the U-20 and U-17 teams.

Football administrators believe age cheating took a leap after the commercialisation of the game in Africa. Clubs and footballers’ agents have been accused of encouraging players alter their age so that it becomes less hard to obtain contracts with European clubs looking out for young talents.

But age cheating is killing African football. Egyptian Football Association media officer Medhat Shalaby likens age fraud to a cancer in African football. He argues that age fraud is a counterproductive practice, to which he is right. Age cheating is destroying football development in Africa. It makes tournaments useless because

some players must not be playing because they are too old. What is the point of a 17-year-old competing in a tournament where the opposing team has players way over that age group?

The more this practice continues, the more we gradually lose credence. Our football stars become subject to unfair scrutiny and taunts. This reputation disturbs the success of our players abroad.

It still is fresh to recall the age saga that broiled across Europe concerning African stars like Nwankwo Kanu, Obafemi Martins, Julius Aghahowa and not forgetting the scandal involving Samuel Eto’o and the then coach at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho who claimed that the Cameroonian is older than what he says he is. Ultimately, Africa needs to start playing clean! Those are sentiments shared by Namibian women football team coach Jacqueline Shipanga. Our national football associations need not support such. Therefore it’s a general call to all the federations around the continent to fix their houses and make things better. Until then, this menace will live on and African teams will remain less productive and too mediocre to challenge other countries in the World Cup.

MINALA’S CLAIMS TO BE BORN IN 1996, SOME CLAIM HE IS IN HIS LATE 40s

SPORTING CODES UNIONS SHOULD BE FORMED TO WORK AT LEVEL OF THE PLAYING FIELD

The events happening in the country’s sports makes one wonder if the sportspersons themselves are too scared or threatened to protect their liveli hood and their professions.

Football players have been blocked by teams to go outside the country. We have had top boxers in Lesley Sekotswe, the Setlalekgosi brothers, Thuso Khubamang and many more who were left in limbo. In football we have retired players who plied their trade outside in professional leagues. There have been tennis players who were actually on BNSC scholarships. These are sportspersons who can definitely initiate a movement for the formation of sports unions.

In most cases, labour unions are born out of unfair working conditions and inadequate wages for employees. Given today’s glitzy, millionaire athletes, it’s often forgotten that the pioneers of our favourite sports leagues were victims of harsh

bosses, tough expectations and unbalanced wages.

Non-unionized athletes were treated as pieces of furniture to be moved at the owner’s whim as they had no rights to pensions, healthcare benefits or even lunch money for road games. Today’s pro athletes enjoy all these perks, while conducting salaries that eliminate the need for any of them. In the case of the following leagues, it took the resolution of a few brave players to stand up to the owners and demand a fair share of the revenues that their top-talent provided. These are athletes who played without pensions or healthcare plans.

It was also common for pre-union players to work permanent jobs to support their families because if you get an injury or a player miss game, it was very rare to be taken care of and get paid during the time of absence, ostenably brought about by an injury incured while on the field of play .

Without healthcare plan and no income, families of athletes struggle mightily to pay the bills. Commonly after the injury, a player will not be as effective as he was before, to which the management cries “indifferent play” and cut the salary.

Such treatment should inspire all the legends to rally today’s players to form a union while they are still active. Other influential ex-players across the leagues should be successful in creating a small association of players so that the players can be able to unite in enough numbers to convince the owners to recognize their demands and not punish players for being members. With athletes becoming professional much earlier, it is important that those older players on the road to retirement have a proper pension.

Big leagues boast some of the largest salaries in all of sports, with the biggest purse being that of US Middleweight champion, Floyd Mayweather whose bout with Manny Pacquiao who grossed in the region of $300 million after the fight. Sport has long been a big business in the world and it can only take many manifestations of the Players Association to get a fair portion of the revenue paid to the players.

Starting with the brotherhood of Professional players, players should organize to increase their salaries and, most importantly, end the reserve clause that essentially gives owners the right to control where players could play. The reserve rule is being used as, a handle for the manipulation of a traffic in players, a sort of speculation in livestock, by which they are bought, sold and transferred like so many sheep.

Technically, there isn’t actually a union for players at the moment, as on the surface, it is millionaires fighting poor sportsmen over a share of thousands in revenue.

With players taking action, the fans will be more aware than ever of the labour conflicts that can spoil a sport. Before these players’ union, players were in most cases not paid for missing a game with an injury. Players are responsible for maintaining their uniforms and equipment, and they do not receive any money when traveling. Players across the leagues who should get on board, including legends such as Dipsy Selolwane, Khubamang, Amantle Montsho and the likes of Mpho Kelosiwang. The players will successfully invigorate the leagues to address their grievances, as well as establish an official minimum salary and a pension plan. The pioneers of these leagues should put a contest for their powerful millionaire bosses and risk their professional careers to ensure that future players in these leagues would be well compensated and cared for beyond their playing careers.

ORANGE PHIKWE MARATHON IS CALLING AGAIN.

Botswana’s fastest mobile network continues its ommitment to the growth of local athletics in Botswana and Orange Botswana hopes to register over 2000 participants this year.

Botswana’s fastest mobile network, Orange Botswana local sport through the sponsorship of the Selebi-Phikwe Marathon. This sponsorship is in partnership with the Selebi-Phikwe Town Council and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and has been running since 2016. The 2023 edition will be supported with an investment of over P350,000.00 including marketing and publicity. Said Orange Botswana Acting CEO, Maano Masisi , “At Orange Botswana we believe in sport’s unique ability to unite and gather people from various backgrounds whether through football, athletics or any other sporting

code. It is through this event that we hope to uplift the community and instil a strong sense of unity amongst the residents of Selebi-Phikwe, as we all come together for health and wellness.“

This year, the marathon is slated for the 29 th July 2023 , both the starting and finishing line at theSelebi-Phikwe Sam Sono Stadium. The marathon is expected to attract a global community of national, regional and international runners, from the social, amateur and professional ranges. Participants and those wishing to register can choose from a selection of four races which are:

• 5 km Fun Run registered at P200 per person

• 10 km Run registered at P250 per person

• 21.1 km Half Marathon registered at P300 per person

• and 42.2 km Marathon registered at P350 per person

Orange Botswana invests over 1-MILLION pula into the Orange Phikwe National Marathon

“We take great pride in the partnerships we have developed with various stakeholders over the years and hope that through the revenue generated from the marathon, there will be more community development and investments for the community of Selebi Phikwe and beyond. We value our partner’s contributions and are looking forward to more collaborations in the next installment of the marathon.” Masisi.

This 2023 edition of the Orange Phikwe National Marathon is expected to be additionally exciting and exhilarating, with a an even more optimized runners experience as we are anticipating seeing new faces participating and supporting the race. Registrations will be open from 15 th March 2023 and interested participants can register online at www.phikwemarathon.co.bw

It is important that we work together to attract the kind of support that capitalises on local talent and potential so that our athletes can represent our country proudly in other international competitions,” concluded Masisi.

Regarding the over view of the marathon, Omphemetse Makwate says this is the oldest marathon in the history of this country because it has been taking place in Selibe Phikwe since the year 1985 and this year it is thirty six years old. Formerly known as Bosele Marathon, it started as a fun run and grew from heights to heights and from strength to strength until it became Selebi Phikwe National Marathon, accredited and sanctioned by the national athletics governing body (Botswana Athletics Association) and duly recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) to be used as one of the qualifying races for other major regional and

international competitions such as the All Africa Games, Commonwealth, Olympic Games and many more others.

For his part Selibe Phikwe Town Mayor Honourable Lucas Modimana says they are delighted to partner with Orange Botswana in creating shared value for our community, against an economic depression in the region. The relationship comes from some time back in 2016 and we intend to keep this relationship. This initiative will and continues to have an impact of mutual benefits for Ornage Botswana and SPTC. “It is common knowledge now that Selebi Phikwe has been hard hit since the closure of the BCL mine in 2016, resulting in lack of activity and the usual vibe, followed by the covid 19 scourge which also limited a lot of activities. However in 2022, to the anticipation by marathon fanatics and fun lovers the Orange Phikwe National marathon returned. This will be the second edition after the covid 19 scare, everyone is anxious and ready”. He continued.

He says the excitement is welcome as the Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are much alive then, as a Town Council it brings us joy to see the small business boosted and growing, bo mmaseapei, ba di airtime, they wish that the athletes and associated businesses and stakeholders can continue to support and as such buy lunch, snacks, airtime, drinks from our people, so that they also can have a feel of this marathon. For example, on those two days, let mma seapei make double the profit or even triple of what they normally make. Modimana says this boost in economy is not or should be felt by the Informal sector, the transport and hospitality industries also benefit.

About Orange

Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with sales of 42.3 billion euros in 2020 and 142,000 employees worldwide at 31 December 2020, including 82,000 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of 259 million customers worldwide at 31 December 2020, including 214 million mobile customers and 22 million fixed broadband customers.

The Group is present in 26 countries. Orange is also a leading provider of global IT

and telecommunication services to multinational companies, under the brand Orange Business Services. In December 2019, the Group presented its new ‘Engage’ strategic plan, which, guided by social and environmental accountability, aims to reinvent its operator model.

Whileaccelerating in growth areas and placing data and AI at the heart of its innovation model, theGroup will be an attractive and responsible employer, adapted to emerging professions.

Questions and answers with Stanbic Bank Botswana Head of Brands and Marketing, Stephanie Sandridge about how they go about Sponsorships

Q. Give us reasons why Stanbic Bank has been successful in sponsoring these sporting events and teams like football, cycling, golf and now Gaborone Diacore Marathon. How do you manage to do this all?

A. Our sponsorship strategy aims to ensure our portfolio delivers on building our brand and reputation, is aligned to our clients’ passion points, and contributes positively to the communities in which we operate. Therefore, we select sponsorship properties and activities based on sound and carefully considered marketing and business principles. Our sponsorship portfolio aids in differentiating our brand which also helps us get closer to our clients and stakeholders.

Our sponsorship focus areas are across Arts and Culture (performing and visual arts), Sports (team, tournaments, and events) and Strategic Business Seminars (Thought Leadership Platforms). For a large part, our focus has been predominately in the Sport and Business Seminar space. As you have highlighted above, we are in football; cycling; running and most recently golf;

and the question is, how do we manage it all? With a concerted strategy and planning, and the dedication of our teams across the Bank, in different areas of Botswana, we manage, and ensure we make the experiences meaningful and worthwhile for those involved. And further to this, the question is how can we not? Supporting our beloved sportsmen and women; and the sporting industry to get back on its feet, post COVID-19, is a collective effort.

Q. Usually, who is your target audience and what type of activities are most appealing to you when sponsoring events of this magnitude?

A. We go where our clients’ passion points lie. And our clients cut across Corporate, Business, SMEs and the everyday Motswana at home. When we start engaging with a prospective partner; we look for a common purpose or shared ambitions, mostly with the intention of improving the lives of Batswana. Our sponsorships and supporting events or activities must align with our client’s values, and passion and at the end of the day, support in driving Botswana’s growth.

Our goals include:

-Manifesting our brand promise, ‘of finding new ways of making dreams possible’, through our sponsorship partnerships.

-Creating platforms for existing and new clients to engage with content, solutions, and other

GOLF IN BOTSWANA NEEDS ITS OWN ASAFA POWELL AND SE-RI PAK MOMENTS AND EFFECTS….

ARTICLE BY: MPHO KELOSIWANG

A story is told of a young South Korean golfer, who moved to the US as a 20-yearold with no English, no family and no friends, just a dream to become the best golfer in the world…my emphasis! She Won the US Women Open Golf Championship in 1998 and sparked the Asian Women Golf revolution. Today Asian women dominate the professional ladies golf circuit. Since 2008, nearly 40% of the major championships on the LPGA Tour have been won by South Koreans. While Asian girls, account for 54% of the top 100 in the Rolex Ranking Women’s World Golf Ranking, 70% of those are South Korean. It is interesting to note that in Asia it is quite expensive to play. Korea is no different and most of their players are not allowed in

golf courses until they are of certain competence. Most golf is therefore played in Driving Ranges. If you think golf is expensive in Botswana and access to golf courses in Botswana go to Asia… You will come back with a different perspective…What continue to bother me is lack of traction of the sport of golf in Botswana. Why are we not getting a lot of Batswana getting into the sport? This brings me to another inspirational story in sport… Most people now know that….Sprinting to Jamaican is like religion…The story about Jamaicans become sprint Kings and Queens is however not known by most. Indulge me for a moment to narrate the little I know about the evolution of Jamaica short distance running…Prior to 1999, Jamaica had pockets of brilliance in track and

field. However the revolution can be traced back to 1999, when Coach Stephen Francis, together with his brother, Paul and cousin, decided to form the MVP Track and Field Club of Jamaica. They had an ambitious dream, to have Jamaican sprint champions, trained in Jamaica, by Jamaicans and managed by Jamaican. The club aimed to provide high quality coaching which mirrored American college system so that talented athletes would not have to travel to the USA. Of Course people laughed at them, called them dangerously ambitious. Rasmus Ankersen in his book, “The Gold Mine Effect” details how the MVP Track and field coaches used to beg for high school student coaching gigs. Simply because people did not believe in the possibility that Jamaican sprint athletes, can be developed in Jamaica

by Jamaicans. Of course, fortune smiled on them, when one of their athlete Asafa Powell, who by the way, was a reject of the athletic programme, broke the 100 metres world record in 2001. The Asafa Powell moment gave the MVP Track and Field Club of Jamaica their break through. This bold and ambitious step reversed a long-standing pattern, where Jamaican sprinters, who were typically poor, ran to get scholarships at American colleges where facilities and coaching were superior, but the surroundings were foreign. Now, with better coaches, most of the country’s Olympic runners train at home and they are champions. As most athlete now understand, staying and training at home can make a difference, in terms of the weather and the support structure. In the case of Jamaica, it appear that coaching, motivation, and hard work might have done the trick.

Here at home, we continue to provide excuses on why we cannot be successful in golf… fair enough, the game suffers lack of access to the school sport system and inaccessibility of the golf clubs to most Batswana Children. However, South Korea has been able to overcome these seemingly insurmountable constraints…Is it because we lack the ambitions of the founders of the MVP Track

and Field Club of Jamaican or are our young golfers not hungry enough…The case of South Korean and Jamaica rhyme well with the findings of Angela Lee Duckworth study of successful people…She found that, ”People who accomplish great things, usually combine a passion for a single mission with a unswerving dedication to achieve it, regardless of obstacles and the length of time it take.” Are we a nation of excuses… both at administrators and athletes level…Do we know how to create success and we stumble upon it? Are our athletes hungry enough?

Rasmus Ankersen will ask, “How do you create hunger in Paradise?” It is my opinion that, if we can correctly answer this question we will be on the right track to unlocking the potential of sport in the country, create world beaters and make sport an alternative source of employment for most of Batswana youth…I know we want to create Millionaires…Sport is one of the ways we can create young Millionaires…

I hardly share my stories and experience coaching some of the youngsters I work with as I consider these to be private moments, I however sought permission to share this one from Tharaniitharan Panchalingam…Tharan is going for college in the US next month, he has an ambition of making the college golf team…I started coaching Tharan in 2013, he was a beginner golfer…However he was athlete through and through and according to my

observation he had great chance of making his dream a reality. Within two years Tharan had dropped his Handicap from 24 to 3, He was now among the top golfers in the country… Pity he travels on a Sri Lankan Passport otherwise he will have made the Botswana Junior team…However something happened, the relationship broke and Tharan went on his own in the last two years of so…Guess what…He is still playing of handicap 3 and he swing the club like an Octopus…We recently rekindle our coach-athlete relationship, with the sole goal of ensuring that he makes the college team. I am confident he will make it as he has great potential. Why am I boring you with such feeble tales…

The legendary Jack Nicklaus is reported to have said, “If you can beat everyone in your town, everyone in your city, everyone in your state, everyone on an a national level, you’re probably good enough to turn pro”. Under normal circumstances the above detail the progressive step, however there is one fundamental assumption…that every stage there is good quality competition… what if there is nobody to beat…how do you escape an environment that is designed to perpetuate mediocrity? how do you motivate and guide junior golfers to aspire to be world beaters, when all they see glorified and supported by sponsors is the old men and women,

who play the game for fun. Where we confuse social sports for elite competitive sport. For a moment, Tharan lost sight of why he played golf, he got caught up in the funk, all of a sudden he could compete and beat his peers and he thought he had arrived…He is one of the best ball strikers in the country. He failed to recognise the difference between our standards and international standards. With the advent of google and abundance of information about the golf swing, he thought he could self-coach… There is only one elite golfer who self-coach… Bubba Watson, he is an exception and not the norm…The danger of such…Is an Octopus swing, frustration and ultimately youngsters quitting the games. As I have indicated above, it is my view that we can achieve success in golf in Botswana in the next 10 years. We already have pockets of brilliance, we have the infrastructure, both physical and coaching and this therefore provide the minimum requirement for such success. What we need now is our Osafa Powell or Se-ri Pak moment…This will rely on the golf union, golf clubs and coaches demonstrating a strong sense of determination to achieve success as they say, “talent flocks to organisation that project a strong sense of purpose”. However the overriding factor for success is the burning desire of the athlete…Those who want it most…

SPORTS TOURISM, WHAT

IS IT?

Many people wonder what sports tourism is. Sports tourism is traveling from one region, country, state, etc. to another in order to watch a sports competition or game. For a very long time we have Toyota Desert Race which by far is the most attended sporting tourism event as it attracts big brands and faces from across our borders. There is also Makgadikgadi Epics, Cycling Challenges, Rasesa Airshow and even golf tournaments. It is endless but

what is Sports tourism?

While sports tourism has not always been extremely popular, during the recent decade the amount of people attending out of area sporting events has drastically increased. People are now traveling far and wide just to attend their favorite events, and it is no wonder as to what has encouraged the sudden spike in popularity.

Technology is Key

While the technological advances in recent years may not have appeared to make a huge impact on the sport industry, they

most certainly have. Due to the availability of buying sports tickets online through various admissions sites, people now have access to multiple resources that were not available a decade ago. People are also more aware of when and where the games and competitions will take place in advance, so they are more able to prepare for the cost and time that is needed to be able to attend the events. Sports tourism has not only managed to find a place in the technological industry, but it has increased because of it.

Tourism Consumers

The types of sports tourism consumers vary from sport to sport. The most generalized statistics are that most sports tourists are males between the ages of 18 and 34, and they are in the middle-class economic

groups. Delving deeper into the study will help to get a more accurate statistical rank on class, status and age. For example, cricket and rugby fans are generally older and have more disposable income than basic football and basketball fans. While different sports have different sports tourism consumers, all sports have taken a popularity increase in recent years.

Simplifying the Term Sports tourism is not difficult to figure out. Sports tourism is the act of traveling from one location to another with the goal of being an audience member to a sports competition of any kind. For example, one who travels from Chicago to Houston with the goal of seeing the Houston Texans play is considered a sports tourist. However long or

short the trip is does not define the tourism part. The defining factor is whether or not the person is traveling to see a sports competition or traveling with another agenda

While sports tourism has gained popularity in recent years, one must stop and consider what it really is and why it has become so popular among the sports fan crowds. Not only has it managed to steadily increase each year, but it has also taken a spot among the top reasons for traveling and vacationing. It appears as though more and more people are using their well-earned vacations to see their favorite players in action. So, what is sports tourism?

It is simply a means to see a competition up close and personal at a location that is not considered home.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

EPL: MIKEL ATERTA’S ARSENAL LOOK

TO SCOOP THE PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE FOR THE

FIRST TIME SINCE 2004!

Despite continued backlash from frustrated fans across the world in previous seasons, Arsenal chose to “TRUST THE PROCESS” with boss Mikel Arteta for 2022/23 and it seems to be paying off. With brilliant additions of the likes of Odegaard, G.Jesus, Zichenko and others Arsenal are the number 1 contenders for the most prestigiuos prize in English Football, The Premier league. They have dorminated competition since gameweek 1, with great displays, impressive winning streaks & late winners. Currently 8 points ahead of Champions ManCity, with 10 games left, Arsenal look sure winners of this season’s campaign.

NEW ERA: ERIK TEN HAG

lifts the EFL Carabao Cup trophy as Manchester United’s manager in first season.United are also on course for top 4 in the English Premier League. They are also eyeing the FA and Europa League Cups.

FORMULA 1 NEWS

MARTIN BRUNDLE: MERCEDES MUST UNLOCK ‘EXCELLENT’ CAR, NOT WAIT FOR RULE CHANGE TO RESOLVE PORPOISING.

Lewis Hamilton suffered intense back pain during the Azerbaijan GP while George Russell believes ‘wider conversations’ must be had aboutporpoising and bouncing; despite issues, Mercedes picked up points in Baku, with Russell finishing in third and Hamilton fourth Martin Brundle says he is surprised that Mercedes cannot seem to unlock the potential of their “excellent” car and sees little chance of rival teams voting to change the regulations in their favour.

WHO IS VERSTAPPEN’S MAIN TITLE RIVAL –LECLERC OR PEREZ?

Charles Leclerc remains a bigger threat than Sergio Perez to Max Verstappen’s world championship defence, despite Ferrari’s reliability woes, according to Naomi Schiff.

The latest F1 championship standings Verstappen wins in Baku, Perez 2nd after Ferrari’s double calamity review