Botswana Amateur Fencing Society (BAFS) is basking on the international fencing mother body, International Fencing Federation (FIE) package of equipment donated for the use of budding talent in the country. The local fencing governing body revealed to The Telegraph that they received full sets of both the Sabre and Epee equipment to be used by at least 15 athletes from FIE a week ago.
The equipment also included coaches gear and a single scoring machine with the package including a mask, jacket, pants and weapons used in the game. It is said that the equipment is worth just above P60 000. Speaking to The Telegraph, BAFS President Mandla Masuku said they appreciate continuous efforts by FIE in donating rising nations such as Botswana in the sport.
‘’It is amazing that we received an improved shipment of equipment than in the past from the world fencing mother body. It shows that we are on the right track and encouraging that majority of the equipment and attire delivered is for our grassroots development program. The quality of the equipment received is also of the latest standards required. We always preach grassroots and believe the attire will assist us with our development mission,’’ Masuku told The Telegraph.
He said while the novel Covid-19 pandemic affected the sport negatively, they intend on continuing on where they left to grow the sport locally. “We have been given the green light by Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) to commence with sporting activities and we strive to make the best out of lost time. We will be having coaching clinics very soon to equip local coaches across the country so as they impart knowledge on our athletes. We are targeting teachers and other members of the community,’’ narrated Masuku.
In conclusion, Masuku said “we will be engaging with the technical team this week to discuss about competitions. Our calendar has been affected and we will be mapping a way forward on the upcoming events which will be local for now as international engagements are still at halted’’.
