Players welfare urgent necessity

Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng, has called for greater recognition of sports legends’ welfare, describing it as a long-overdue necessity. Speaking at the memorial service of former Zebras star Tshepo “Talk Talk” Motlhabankwe last Thursday, Kelebeng pledged to collaborate with sporting authorities to establish clear benefits for retired players. The memorial service underscored a pressing theme: Botswana’s football heroes gave their all on the pitch, and now the nation must ensure their welfare off it.

Throughout the service, speakers lamented the lack of support for both active and retired footballers. Many argued that legends like Motlhabankwe deserve lifetime assistance to sustain their dignity and legacy. Some noted that injuries sustained during their careers often resurface later, leaving former players unable to afford even basic medical care.

Botswana Footballers Union (FUB) representative Onalethata Thekiso urged immediate action. “Legends should be given their roses while they live, not only celebrated when they are gone,” he said. Former Township Rollers boss, Somerset Gobuiwang echoed the same sentiments, stressing that serious investment in sports could transform players’ lives and those of their families.

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Gobuiwang further advised the ministry and Botswana Football Association to build mini-stadiums across the country to nurture grassroots talent. He also called for retired legends to be supported with international coaching courses, ensuring they remained active contributors to the sport rather than being side-lined after retirement. “Currently, clubs bear these costs, but it is not enough and is very expensive,” he said.

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