The Acting General Manager of Debswana’s Orapa Letlhakane Damtshaa Mines(OLDM), Bakani Motlhabani has re-affirmed the mine’s commitment to making sure that Orapa United football club wins the next be-MOBILE Premier League.
Orapa United, also known as “The Ostriches” was is one of the best performing teams in the just ended season and finished as runners up behind champions Mochudi Centre Chiefs. When giving a keynote address during an award ceremony to recognize some of the best performing players in the team last week, Motlhabani said the mine is committed to ensuring that Orapa United becomes the best team in the country.
“The purpose for which this team was formed is aligned to our vision of making Orapa and indeed Boteti a great place to work and stay. We have through various avenues supported the team to enable it to realize the success it has achieved,” he said.
He implored all those who are tasked with leading the team to remain committed and always put the interests of the community ahead of any other interests. Touching on a brief background of Orapa United, Motlhabani said four years ago a dream was conceived to unite the existing football teams at the time into one formidable outfit which could compete in the local football leagues and also serve the greater purpose of uniting the people of the Boteti under a solitary brand. This gave birth to Orapa United which has since gone through a remarkable journey to success.
He further explained that during its time at first division, Orapa United finished on third position spot. In the second season, the team went through an unparalleled unbeaten run, losing only one game until it gained promotion to the premier league.
“Our first taste of premiership saw us finishing at number 13. We finished second in the 2014/2015 season and towards the end of the league we were touted as potential champions,” said Motlhabani. He said if there is a team to be remembered in 2014/2015 it will be Orapa United which did not win the league but won the hearts of the people. He however congratulated Mochudi Centre Chiefs for winning premier league trophy.
“Through this team’s commitment and superb performance, Orapa was placed on the map of the national sporting arena. We saw several headlines in the media which demonstrated the resounding success that Orapa United has become,” he said. Motlhabani requested supporters to further demonstrate their commitment to Orapa United so that the team wins the league in the next season.
In conclusion he also lauded the Chairman of Orapa United, Thatayaone Sithole and his team for a sterling job as evidenced by the team’s good performance.┬á He said it is through their commitment, team spirit and hard work that the team managed to be where it is.?During the awards, Godfrey Gorogodo won the disciplined player of the year award, while the most improved player award went to Emmanuel Sedumedi. The golden boot award was given to Hedrick Moyo while Thabang Mosige was crowned player of the season.
