The deputy Speaker of the national assembly, Pono Moatlhodi has pleaded for better incentives for the women’s senior football national team.
Speaking in the backdrop of the team’s showing at the recent Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Moatlhodi said the team should be declared team of the season. He also believes each player in the team deserves to be player of the season.
“The Mares has done well and the team has to be rewarded with better incentives in recognition of their performance,” he said.
Moatlhodi called on the Bank of Botswana to play a role in developing sport in the country. He said one way to do such would be to commit to take the Mares under its wing as social responsibility by paying incentives.
He further observed that commercial banks must be involved in social responsibilities. The deputy speaker said there is no reason why Botswana banks should not find it necessary to come to the aid of sport as they do in other countries like South Africa.
“The Mares prior to their maiden appearance at WAFCON had to run like headless chickens looking for sponsors. Thanks to Lucara for their P200 000 to support the team. We thank them,” Botate appreciated.
Turning to the minister of Youth Empowerment, sport and culture development, Tumiso Rakgare, Moatlhodi pleaded with him to give Mares better incentives. He said by reaching the quarter finals of the WAFCON in their maiden appearance, the team had made the country proud.
“You must keep the Mares together and pay them well so that they can continue doing well in the international arena. I implore other banks to come on board and support the Mares and sport in general. The support from banks will go a long way in developing sport in the country,” he observed.
He called on Rakgare to help sport find sponsors. “We need more sponsors for our sport across all sporting codes, hence the need for the minister to spearhead the call for the private sector to come on board. With my knees down and voice trembling please approach commercial banks to be life time sponsors of sporting codes precisely The Mares,” he pleaded.
Moatlhodi went further and pleaded with Rakgari to ensure the team is kept together for a long time and for its players to be paid lucrative wages as a way of encouraging them.
