INF president pleads for support

International Netball Federation (INF) and Botswana government this Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Agreement towards the country’s hosting of the impending 2017 Netball World Youth Cup to be played in Gaborone.

The signing comes on the backdrop of the recent launch of the Local Organising Committee whose work towards the games has officially begun. Speaking at the event, the President of INF, Molly Rhone applauded Botswana for having met the required standards for the global spectrum which will be a first on the African continent.

Rhone and the other INF board members had been in Botswana since last week for one of the INF’s board meetings as well as to tour playing, dining and accommodation facilities to be used for the 2017 event.

Describing Botswana as a small country with a big heart, Rhone further appreciated the enthusiasm and energy that country was putting into sports, saying it has been clear that Botswana does not only put its support in netball, but to different sporting codes. She urged relevant stakeholders to support all sports organisers in order to make greater achievements. “An event of this magnitude requires support from everyone.

It is also important that support is also given to the Botswana netball team to enable them to compete at a very high level before their home crowd,” she said.Rhone, who was also in Botswana for the Africa Youth Games last year, reminded all that the netball world event in 2017 should not be viewed as just a netball show, but also as an event showcasing the country as a whole.

Adding to the notion of placing Botswana on the map, the LOC chairperson Prisca Mokgadi further promised to deliver what she termed “a world class event the African way.” Mokgadi expressed hope that despite the organisational challenges that still lie ahead, they will do all they can to make INF proud.