Tshepo Molwane
17 March 2008
Promising long jumper, Kabelo Kgosiemang was the star of the night on Saturday when he scooped two top honours at a glittering BNSC/Orange Sports Awards ceremony at the GICC.
The rising Kgosiemang scooped the overall crown as Sportsperson of the Year besides the Sportsman of the Year title. In his speech, Kgosiemang thanked the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) for recognising his talent and giving him the necessary support.
Kgosiemang who could not hold back his excitement, said every time he puts on the national team jersey, he always strives to perform to his best. The youngster will represent the country at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He promised that he will hoist the nation's flag high.
Like before, athletics dominated the top honours as BAA won the Sports Code of the Year Award and Best Executed Plan. In his speech, BAA president Moses Bantsi said that his association will continue working hard. He promised that next year, they will win more awards.
The national Under-23 soccer side won the Team of the Year award, much to the delight of a handful of football supporters in attendance. The Olympic team deserved the award after their recent exploits.
The team reached the Sasol Eight Nations Tournament in South Africa, finishing as runners-up to Cameroon. The Under-23 made it to the group stages of the Olympic qualifiers for the first team after beating African powerhouse Tunisia. The team won a Four Nations Tournament in China.
The BNSC awards ceremony was graced by President Festus Mogae who retires at the end of the month. The president encouraged BatswanaPto be passionate about their country. Though he accepted that he has not led by example, Mogae encouraged Batswana to have national flags in their homes.
BNSC chairperson Dorcas Makgato-Malesu used the event to bid farewell to sports people as she will not be standing for another term at elections scheduled for July.
In her eight years at the helm, Makgato-Malesu said sport has made her strong and she will always cherish it.
"I will not be lost to sports," she said.
The following are the rest of the winners;
Junior Female Sportsperson Award- Shingadear Sibanda (Special Olympics)
Junior Male Sportsperson Award- Pako Seribe (Athletics)
Non-Citizen Award- Girish Ramakrishna (Cricket)
Sports Administrator Award- Ross Tebele (Special Olympics)
Umpire of the Year Award- Michael Moroka (Boxing)
Group Code of the Year Award- Special Olympics
Sports Woman of the Year Award- Amantle Montsho (Athletics)
Print Media House Award- Mmegi
Camera Person Award- Zachs Sethaiso (formerly with Daily News)
Print Media Journalist Award- Tirelo Ditshipi (Midweek Sun)
Electronic Media House Award- Botswana Television
Electronic Journalist Award- McDonald 'Chilliboy' Rakgare (Yarona fm)
Chairperson's Award- Major David Bright
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