Hockey Junior tourney moves to April
Organizer of the Hockey Junior Tournament, Tumelo Sekate says this year's tournament will be hosted in April, not January.
'I'm yet to confirm the date of the tournament with parents of these kids and other stakeholders involved.'
He added that staging the tournament in April will award them enough time to come up with thorough and well thought ideas that will attract more than enough participants.
'I believe each and every tournament or event organiser in Botswana pushing hockey has their own edge. Mine has been to promote the hockey 5 aside format, it's been a great success so far with the older group and I believe it will be a success with the young ones as well,' he said.
Consequently, he said parents are slowly getting to understand the sport hence he expects many kids to play with the support of their parents.
'So far I've realised more and more people realise and appreciate the sport. At the moment, however, convincing parents to pay for their kids to train with us is a small challenge but we shall overcome it with time.'
'All I seek is the opportunity to present the value we bring for those who are asking themselves if it is worth it.'
Sekate said he started this tournament last year in July 2022 when he hosted the 3rd Stoogah 5s Tournament, 'I realised there is a lot of young talent in the country however, no provision for the kids in primary school level was being made.
The initiative is mainly to host a junior level tournament because the intention is on nurturing and showcasing talent from a young age. 'I fell in love with hockey at the tender age of 11, because it had frequent games, tournaments and inclusion in National team activities, I want to create that atmostphere for the kids and hopefully introduce them to international events where they'll benchmark and maybe find a home in one of the big teams.'
However, senior level tournaments will also be hosted this year as it had been a norm every other year, this junior tournament will just be a precursor event.
Sekate pleads with the business sector to support his growing ideas in sport, 'we haven't found any sponsors yet. But I'd like to highlight the contributions by fellow clubs and individuals, namely, Basil Hockey Club president, Thoriso Bogwasi, Falcons Hockey Club and Hockey Guru brand founder, Conrad Benn and Mav's Creations director, Mavilyn Benn-Motlogelwa. I believe as the tournament grows, the list will also gain more names.'