News

Braun: We all believe in the power of sports to change life

May 21, 2019

Yesterday we saw the official launch of the new cooperation between Botswana and Germany, more specifically the long-term project of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The goal of the DOSB project is to develop sports, especially football with main focus on coach education, talent identification and development of structure in both men and women football.

The DOSB project will reignite and strengthens the relationship between Germany and Botswana. It will also improve cooperation in the field of sports specifically football. The project is led by Dr Carolin Braun.

When speaking at Lekidi Auditorium yesterday morning, Dr Braun said the passion of sports is what brings people together, especially football.
“We all believe in the power of sports to change life. And many of us have experienced it all over the world,” said Dr Braun.

She said DOSB believe in the power of sports to have an impact on a personal, community and societal level.

“Sports has the power to bring people together independent of their background, language, gender, class or ability. On the pitch all players are on an equal playing field, “continued Dr Braun.

Braun warned that it’s not only about the most talented players and the score and movements, but also about education on and off the field. It’s about instilling values such as respect, tolerance, fair play and teamwork. She said children should be taught life skills so as to give them self esteem and voice.

Braun, who arrived in Botswana in the middle of February this year, says she was amazed by people’s passion and hard work, all in the improvement of football.

“I see coaches who are spending money from their pockets to realise the transport of players to training sessions. I see players, for example when I was with young girls in Francistown, playing in socks, or even barefoot on stony ground, ” acknowledged Dr Braun.

She said she was also impressed by BFA which is trying to achieve and expand the goals of their development with the help of different organisations all over the world such as FIFA or the DOSB.

Up Next

FIFA to help BFA with a comprehensive school football policy

Don't Miss

Sport is one of the most powerful part of cooperation between countries

News

Botswana and Algeria Strengthen Sports Ties, with Football Development in Focus

Francistown, Botswana – The Honourable Minister of Sport & Arts, Mr. Jacob Kelebeng, recently welcomed a courtesy visit from Honourable Walid Sadi, Algeria’s Minister of Youth & Sports, along with His Excellency Ambassador Abdelmalek Tigharhar of Algeria.

The discussions centered on fostering collaboration between the two nations in sports development, with particular emphasis on Paralympics, football, boxing, and athletics. This engagement presents valuable opportunities for Botswana to benefit from Algeria’s advanced sporting infrastructure, training programs, and technical expertise.

As part of the visit, Honourable Sadi also met with BFA President Mr. Tariq Babitseng, alongside Minister Kelebeng. Discussions highlighted Algeria’s well-established football development structures, coaching programs, and talent identification pathways, which could serve as a benchmark for Botswana’s football growth strategy.

BFA President Emphasizes Football Development

Speaking on the significance of the engagement, BFA President Mr. Tariq Babitseng expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that Botswana stands to gain valuable insights from Algeria’s football model.

“Football development remains a key priority for the BFA, and this engagement allows us to benchmark against one of Africa’s leading football nations. Algeria’s structured approach to grassroots football, coaching development, and high-performance training presents a great learning opportunity for Botswana. We are excited about the potential collaborations that will enhance our football structures and elevate the sport in the country,” said Babitseng.

The Minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Ms. Nancy Chengeta of the Ministry of Sport & Arts (MOSA), along with key sports leadership figures, including:

✅ BNSC Chairperson: Mr. Marumo Morule

✅ BNSC CEO: Mr. Tuelo D. Serufho

✅ BNSC Executive Management

✅ Botswana Football Association (BFA) Executives

✅ Various dignitaries and stakeholders

The BFA remains committed to building strategic international partnerships that contribute to the growth, professionalization, and long-term sustainability of football in Botswana.