News

RECEPTION LUNCH FOR THE MARES COACH GAOLETHOO ‘RONALDO’ NKUTLWISANG

Aug 12, 2022

The Ministry of Transport and Public Works today (Friday-12-08-2022) hosted an exclusive reception lunch at Tsholofelo Park for The Mares Coach Gaolethoo ‘Ronaldo’ Nkutlwisang.

The event was graced by amongst others the Minister Mr Eric Molale, Permanent Secretary in the same Ministry, Mr Kgomotso Abi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture Mr. Kitso Kemoeng, vice chairperson of the Botswama National Sports Commission Tebogo Lebotse Sebego and BFA Head of Competitions & Operations Mr Olebile Matlapeng-Sikwane. Also present was the Mares led by captain Bonang Otlhagile.

The Minister thanked Coach Ronaldo for her sterling exploits with Mares especially at the WAFCON held in Morocco last month and he rewarded her with P20,000.00.

“You have done us very proud, we thank you for the excellent work you have done by proving yourselves against the best in Africa. We must also equally thank your team since soccer is a team sport, ‘Molale said.

The Minister said Ronaldo is a special person who has always demonstrated resolve in everything she does citing her professional acumen.

“Coach Ronaldo is a technician here at the Ministry, it shows you that she’s always had that desire to compete, even in the spaces commonly known as a preserve for males only. She’s not just a technician she’s a very good one.”

The Minister encouraged Ronaldo to continue with her great work and urged the Botswana Football Association to support her.

” I know BFA President Mr. Maclean Letshwiti will support you, I also want to thank him for giving you this great opportunity to take our country to greater heights.”

A tearful Ronaldo took to the stage and thanked her professional colleagues at the Ministry, the players and the BFA for the support.

“I wouldn’t have done this alone without the support of my family, my colleagues both at the Ministry and the technical staff at The Mares. I want to thank the beautiful girls The Mares so much and the BFA. We did our best. With more resources and more support like you always do, we can go even higher than this.”

In other news, the Mares are expected to be officially welcomed with a reception dinner before the end of this month.

Up Next

𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗞𝗚𝗔 𝗧𝗢 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗔 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣, 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗭𝗔𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗛, 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔

Don't Miss

𝗖𝗔𝗙 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗦 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗘

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.