Netball Gets P300K Windfall
Speaking during the sponsorship launch in Gaborone yesterday (Tuesday), Lucara’s Managing Director, Naseem Banu Lahri, stated that the company is committed to supporting sports development in Botswana. She noted that sport is an important contributor to the economy, and that Lucara is eager to support this sector in the same way that they support mining development. She added that Lucara is confident that their support for sports will help diversify Botswana’s economy and create new opportunities for growth.
“There is a lot of talent in Botswana, and it’s possible to make a living through sport. Not everyone is going to find success in the corporate world, and sports can offer a valuable alternative for many people. Representation in the sports field is incredibly important, and that’s why we want to help develop netball talent and make our athletes shine,” she stated.
Lahri stressed that it is the responsibility of corporations like Lucara to support local athletes and give them the best possible chance to succeed. She noted that, by competing in international competitions, these athletes are not only representing Botswana, but also earning a living through sport. This makes it all the more important to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to excel.
“We are committed to sponsoring sports in Botswana netball, and we want to see them excel in all areas. Our objective is to support the talented athletes in Botswana and make sure that they are seen by the world and have the opportunity to compete at the highest levels. We want to help them reach their full potential,” she mentioned.
Furthermore, Lucara Botswana is currently in the final stages of constructing a Sports Complex in Letlhakane that will be commissioned in due course. A place where they believe that many dreams will be realised, and careers unlocked in the sporting fraternity. To date, they have already invested P 89 179 209.00 in this initiative and the expected spending for the complex at the end of 2023 is P113 601 908.
The Botswana Netball Association President, Malebo Raditladi-Nkgakile expressed her gratitude to Lucara for their financial support, which will allow the association to run the elite league. She stated that this support is critical to the success of the sport in Botswana, and that it will keep the teams active and engaged in competition.
“The sponsorship from Lucara will have a positive impact on everyone involved in netball in Botswana. It will help to keep our national team players fit and ready for competition, and it will also allow us to increase the number of league matches and improve the overall level of play. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership, and we believe it will have a lasting and meaningful impact on the future of netball in Botswana,” she noted.