The Botswana Netball Association (BONA) held a farewell dinner at the President Hotel on Wednesday for three national team players, Tebogo Radipotsane, Ntebogo Motlakaleso and Kagisano Mawela, who will be joining the elite netball league in Singapore.
The girls are set to depart on the 20thof March till the 29th of April. Based on their performances at last year’s World Games in Singapore, the Singapore netball officials recommended the players to join the Singapore Elite League. Singapore officials had initially picked two players but BONA offered to give them one more player. The first player was deemed inexperienced and the next player BONA suggested to add to the two was unfortunately not able to make the trip due to school commitments.
A BONA official, Onkametse Mpudi, said the girls deserved the opportunity that had been bestowed upon them. Commenting on the girls’ performances at the World Games she said the girls had given a “classic” netball performance. The players were encouraged to learn from the opportunity that awaits them.
The trio were also called upon to interact with locals, learn their culture and were reminded that their conduct on and off the field should be exemplary.
Radipotsane will be departing with creditable reputation as she was voted the fourth best shooter at the World Youth Games in Florida and voted third best at the World Championship in New Zealand. Motlakaleso, who is goal defender, has played 24 times for the national team but has showcased her talent at various levels said she was keen to impress and not let the nation down.
“We will represent you well and hope to make you proud,” Motlhakaleso said.
The goal shy machine Radipotsane echoed the same sentiments.
“We are honoured to be representing the nation,” she added. Mawela, who has 46 caps for the national team, will be the most experienced player to depart to Singapore. She reminded her colleagues that without them the opportunity to Singapore would not be available. “Thank you for giving us this opportunity, and would like to thank our coaches, management and umpires for their part in taking us to the Singapore League, thank you to my team mates because you need a tough competition to be an excellent player.”
