Legendary striker receives donations from FUB and BFA
THE Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Tumiso Rakgare, Botswana Football Association and Footballers Union of Botswana donated money and food hampers to former Ecco City Greens striker, Malepa Chippa Bolelang, on Friday.
The handing over took place in Francistown - Block 3, at the former Green’s and Zebra’s prolific striker’s house. Rakgare donated P2 000, BFA President Maclean Letshwiti P5 000 and food hampers, while FUB donated food hampers.
Letshwiti stated that it is important that during these tough times they check on one of their own. “Malepa had a contribution in the development of football so he should not be forgotten, more especially in difficult times like now,” said Letshwiti.
The BFA President further revealed that together with FUB, they are planning an insurance fund to help those who had career-ending injuries and accidents.
The ECCO legend had his leg amputated following a freak accident on 25th February, 2018 in which a car ploughed into a drinking party, crashing Malepa’s leg, who was out celebrating his birthday after a football match.
A member of the all-conquering ECCO City Greens team that won the league in 2001, King Goals as he was affectionately known, remains one the country’s most feared strikers.
Minister Rakgare said they would have failed sports if they were to turn a blind eye to former players such as Bolelang. He said when they went to check on another former player, Boitumelo “Twizer” Ramohibidu a fortnight ago, who’s now wheelchair -bound following a car accident, the inspiration came from Bolelang.
“Twizer played with Chippa for the national team in Gabon in 2012, the country’s maiden appearance at AFCON. It will be a disgrace to turn a blind eye to them,” Rakgare said.
His sentiments were shared by FUB President, Onalethata Tshekiso, who encouraged stakeholders to honour and help former players while they are still alive.
“Let’s not wait to gather at their funerals, but assist them to lead better lives,” Tshekiso said.
A humble and appreciative Bolelang urged the minister and his entourage to continue helping other sports persons who have made an impact in the local sports scene but are now struggling.
“As you can see, I’m doing well. I have long accepted my situation. I also thank my girlfriend for being there for me. Go on helping our sports heroes; don’t to stop on the way,” said Bolelang.