The Botswana’s national rugby team pursuit of Olympic Qualifiers came to an end over the weekend when they succumbed to Tunisia at the 2018 Rugby Africa 7s championships. The championships which took place on the 13th to the 14th October in Tunisia saw The Vultures being hammered hence ending in position 11.
Despite the loss, the Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) Secretary General Ernest Mantsi says the tournament was a success, adding that the team maintained its place in the top 12 of the tournament.
The championship is a tournament for the top 12 teams in Africa. “We played four games altogether, lost three and won one,” Mantsi said.
The team has lost against Africa’s top seeded team Kenya 49 nil, lost to Morocco 24 nil as well as being hammered by Namibia 12 nil. Moreover, the team managed to win one game against Mauritius beating it 12 nil.
Asked on the way forward, Mantsi said they are still waiting for the coach to give a report. “They arrive on Tuesday, and a detailed report will follow,” he added.
Mantsi further highlighted that they need to invest more on younger players. “We need to source young players who will be future players for future development. It will enhance rugby in our country as we will nurture their talent until they make it to the national squad.”
The team was led by Coach Andrew Paxinos, assisted by Kabo Batsile and Matthew Gibson as the team manager.
