allAfrica.com: Botswana: New Minister Debunks Notions On Sport (Page 1 of 2)

When Kweneng South MP, Gladys Kokorwe was appointed Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture on April 1 by the new President Ian Khama to replace Moeng Pheto, the general view was that she does not have the passion or knowledge of perhaps the most important department in her docket - sports. But Mmegi Sport Staff Writer, TSHEPO MOLWANE has found out that this is false in a face-to-face interview with the new minister.

Your appointment last week shocked many people who think you are not a sportsperson and MPs Shaw Kgathi or Botsalo Ntuane would have been better candidates. What is your reaction?

I am not surprised to hear that but I want to make it clear that I am not lost in my new office. First, we have to understand that I would not be responsible for sports only. This ministry has three divisions, youth, sports and culture and I have a passion for all of them. If you go to my house, you would understand that I have a passion for sports. I have come a long way with sports though I have not been in the forefront. I have a team that I support, Gaborone United (GU) and even served in their committee before I was transferred to Sowa. Even today, some GU people come to my place to ask for some donations. I started Sowa United in 1992 when I was working in the township. So this can show you that I have a lot of interest in sports.

How much do you know about Botswana sports?

I will know more about sports in Botswana when I have met with all the administrators. I have already had briefings with the Permanent Secretary (Ticky Pule) and directors. I am clear about what I want and the need to work together.

What is your view about Botswana sports?

I am aware that boxing, karate and athletics have been doing well internationally. This is good. I would like to see other sporting codes picking up. Right now, I am aware that Botswana is number 107 in the FIFA world rankings and this should improve. We must work together as sports people to see how we can make improvements and see how our young people can make a living out of sports.

How are you going to improve sports in the country?

I believe in consultations and for this ministry to improve, I am going to give people a chance to suggest changes. There is a need for more recreation facilities to try and keep the youth out of the streets.

Talking about recreational facilities, Molepolole and Serowe Sports Complexes have been closed. Serowe Sports Complex will be relocated after realising that it was built at the wrong place. What went wrong?

There is serious need to take precautions in whatever we do. In regard to the stadiums, an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) has to be done. The Serowe issue is hurting me because a lot of money was wasted and now we have to build another stadium. There is progress to move to the new site. For the period I will be here, I will ensure that a good job is done especially for big projects like that one of Serowe. As for Molepolole, I have not had any report. My plan is to visit these facilities and projects anytime soon because it is not good to always rely on officials. I believe in seeing for myself.

Do you think the proposed Francistown Stadium will be ready by 2010 when South Africa hosts the World Cup?

We are hoping it will be ready by then.

How far is progress on the upgrading of the National Stadium?

To be honest with you, there is a need to build more stadia because the National Stadium is not in a good condition. The stadium puts the lives of people at risk especially if there can be a stampede. We will be upgrading it to make it look better but I repeat that there is need to build more stadia. But the issue of insufficient funds will always constrain us.

What do you think about the exploits of former national Under-23 coach David Bright at Cape Town Santos in South Africa?

I have been following his progress at Santos and I am happy for him. We should not be crying that we lost him. Instead we should be proud of him because he is promoting Botswana football outside the borders. People who had doubts about Botswana football will now take us seriously.

Your impressions on the performance of the Zebras?

I am happy with the recent developments at the team. But for us to be successful, we have to work towards having more professional players in big leagues around the world. Even at home, we have to establish professional football to compete with big sides in African football. We have to work together as football people towards achieving this. It is unfortunate that I will be leaving office next year.

Your impressions about the involvement of women in sports?

To be honest, I would like to see more women taking part in sports as players and administrators. It is disheartening to see men leading in codes where women are supposed to be directing things. But socialisation has kept us back. It was known that women are supposed to stay home and do domestic chores. But the situation is changing and during my tenure, I am prepared to ensure that I encourage women to get more involved in sports.

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