Molepolole village has selected its Cricket Under 17 boys and girls to compete at next year’s regional tournament.
The news of the unveiling of the team was broken by the Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) on Friday.
Speaking in an interview, BCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Girish Ramakrishma said the team was selected during a tournament which was held in Molepolole on the 11th and 12th of this month (November).
At least six primary schools, five public and one private competed in the tournament, which was held at Al Haq Primary School grounds. The five primary schools are Al Haq as well Sebele 1, Neale, Suping, Boribamo and Kutlwano.
Commenting on the tournament, Ramakrishna said he was happy with how the tournament turned out, saying they managed to unearth lots of talent which they now want to nurture.
Among others, the BCA CEO said he was also bowled over by the passion and enthusiasm displayed by the young ones during the two day tournament.
“The young boys and girls were so enthusiastic and hungry to win their games, thus it made the tournament very exciting and competitive. I was very impressed with their performance”.
He further said the children displayed skill on the main aspect of the game as young as they are and at their level which is knowledge and understanding. He added that a big up to the teachers in that region. However he said there is still more that they should work on to build on the foundation already built.
Ramakrishna said following the selection, the BCA will now see to it that the Molepolole cricket team undergoes regular quality training on Saturdays to prepare them for the future tournaments.
The same sentiments were echoed by the BCA Secretary ÔÇô Fixtures & Publicity Sumod Damodar, who said the young cricketers will be given quality training.
He said utmost care will be taken during training as a way ‘to create an environment of fun and enjoyment while providing the young cricketers with the necessary skills at competition level.’
Damodar highlighted that such an approach of creating an enjoyable environment for young cricketers ‘is the most important aspect in cricket development at grass root level.’
In a report compiled by BCA secretary, in boys teams Al-Haq got position one, followed by Suping, Sebele 1, Neale, Kutlwano and Boribamo9 in their respective order. The girls category went to Neale, Boribamo and al-Haq respectively.
The Molepolole Boys’ team will include Victor Otukile, Karabo Makwatse, Letso Nogeng, Mopati Balang, Lebitso Gaetwesepe, Alex Tumelo, Junior Kebabope, Maatla, Kgosi Mosweo, Lojwaa, Wasi Khan, Letlhogonolo Rakeitebetse, Laone, Phillimon Makamane and Letso Gower.
Wendy Sekgee, Kesego Inakale, Ayesha Mogotsi, Tsotlhe Bile, One Kgosietsile, Matildah Babantsho, Queen Kelelekilwe, Thelma Kgotlayagae and Debbie Phuduhudu will make the girls’ team.
