News

Lifting of Restrictions on Sports and Recreational Activities

Sep 21, 2020

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that His Excellency the President, acting in accordance with regulation 30G of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations, 2020, has authorised the lifting of restrictions in relation to the following sports and recreational activities —

(a) practice and training; (b) social games;

(d) recreational sports.

All sports and recreational facilities may host sports and recreational activities daily where there shall not be more than —

(a) 50 participants at any given time; and

(b) 50 officials.

A sports and recreational host may operate where he or she has satisfied the Director of Health Services, or any person authorised by the Director of Health Services that he or she is able to comply with the directions for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 issued by the Director of Health Services as published in the Government Gazette, that —

(a) all persons in attendance of a sports and recreational activity and facility shall —

(i) be provided by the host with clean water and soap to wash their hands or with hand sanitizer throughout the duration of the activity,

(ii) wear a cloth face mask or homemade item that covers the nose and mouth or another appropriate item that covers the nose and mouth, where the person is not a participant of the activity, and

(iii) observe the social distancing requirements of being at least 2 metres apart from each other; (b) a person shall not travel across COVID zones for purpose of a sport or recreational activity;

(c) alcohol shall not be sold or consumed at the facilities during a sport or recreational activity; (d) water bottles and hydration containers shall not be shared by participants;

(e) daily disinfection of facilities and equipment shall take place where sports and recreational activities are carried out, under the supervision of the Director of Health Services;

(f) a sports and recreation host shall facilitate a minimum of a 30 minute break every 2 hours during a sport or recreational activity which is held indoors to allow for ventilation of the facilities;

(g) a sports and recreational host shall appoint a SHE officer for every activity;

(h) an adult shall supervise all junior sports and recreational activities;

(i) sports and recreational facilities shall be closed, upon direction of the Director of Health Services, where there is a reasonable suspicion that a person who has accessed the premises has come into contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or that a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 has had access to the premises;

(j) the checking of body temperature of all persons in attendance of a sports and recreational facility is carried out by the host, and where the person’s body temperature is 37.4 degrees celsius and above, such person shall not be allowed to access the facilities, and the person shall be referred to the Director of Health Services;

(k) a sports and recreation host shall, maintain a register containing the personal details and contact details of all persons accessing the facilities; and

(l) the register referred to in paragraph (k) shall be open for inspection by the Director of Health Services for the purposes of contact tracing, and shall be open for inspection by any law enforcement officer for the investigation of an offence under the Regulations.

DATED this 16th day of September, 2020.

MALAKI TSHIPAYAGAE,
Director of Health Services.

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BFA Welcomes New Zebras Head Coach, Morena Ramoreboli

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Morena Ramoreboli as the new Head Coach of the Zebras. This marks an exciting new chapter for Botswana football, as the men’s and women’s national teams recently achieved historic qualifications for the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025 – only the second time both teams have qualified in the same year.

Mr. Ramoreboli brings over a decade of top-level coaching experience and holds a CAF A license. His accomplishments include winning two Botswana Premier League titles and securing two CAF Champions League qualifications with Jwaneng Galaxy, achieving significant victories against teams like Orlando Pirates and Wydad Athletic Club. His familiarity with many of Botswana’s players from his time at the club level ensures a seamless transition into his new role.

The BFA has set clear targets for Mr. Ramoreboli, including progressing beyond the group stages at AFCON 2025, collecting at least 12 points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, qualifying for CHAN 2026, and winning the 2025 COSAFA Senior Men’s Challenge. Additionally, improving Botswana’s FIFA ranking to the top 30 in Africa is a key objective.

To achieve these goals, the BFA is committed to providing the necessary resources and support for the Zebras. The Association also calls on all Batswana to rally behind Mr. Ramoreboli and the national teams. Fans are encouraged to attend matches and create an electrifying atmosphere during the World Cup qualifiers. Plans are underway to make travel packages available for supporters to cheer on the teams in Morocco for the Women’s AFCON and in December for the men’s AFCON.

The BFA also appeals to the media to play an active role in building excitement and uniting the nation behind the Zebras and Mares. A collaborative committee will be formed to drive fan engagement and ensure widespread support.

“We are confident that with Mr. Ramoreboli’s vision, experience, and leadership, the Zebras will achieve great success. With unity and the unwavering support of the nation, there is no limit to what we can accomplish,” said the BFA President.