OPINION:PROFESSIONALISM IS A NEED IN BOTSWANA SPORTS

Professionalism is a need for Botswana Sports,the recent road accidents by Botswana sports stars is worrisome accounting to drugs and alcohol,be it a fatality or career ending injury it is high time our athletes consider upholding professionalism.

With reports in our sports fraternity and outside, a display of bad behavior and bad habits have been the order of the day since the covid-19 outbreak. One would wonder if this is because they are not busy or active, or it is just how they live on their daily basis.

NKOBOLO`S FUTURE IS NOW IN THE BALANCE

The first incident which is a blow for Botswana sports is of Baboloki Thebe and Onkabetse Nkobolo`s accident which left him in the hospital bed and Thebe surviving with minor injuries. The young men are said to have been driving from Trekkers night Club after escaping in the athletics national team camp. Nkobolo`s future is now on the balance as it is not known whether he will fully recover or not.

ROLLERS YOUNGSTER DIES,ONE INJURED

Over the weekend, another blow befell the football side of Botswana sports after the under 20 international Phazha Chose also captain and a Township Rollers development player got involved in another accident on their way from a bar. This one was even painful because a life was lost, young talent in Johannes Nono Oaitse, a Township Rollers under 20 captain lost his life.

RONALDINHO IS A CASE STUDY FOR BOTSWANA SPORTS

Taking a look outside the boarders of the country, a role model to many, the magician of the game in Ronaldinho, former Brazil and Barcelona star is now serving sentence in jail because of this indiscipline. This has been his life even in his playing days he is reported to have been ill-disciplined especially out of football. He is synonymous for too much partying and sleeping around. This is a behavior that has cut short a lot of careers and it seems the young ones are not learning from this.

In the South Africa the cases are just many, one would talk of the likes of Junior Khanye of Kaizer Chiefs, the famous Lorato Chabangu, Jabu Mahlangu just to mention a few. This is supposed to ring the bells in the upcoming athletes that night life and sports do not mix.

The case is now getting out of hand as now deaths are being recorded, career ending injuries are being recorded. If they could at least learn from those who came before them and try do things a bit differently.

It is not wrong to have fun, but one should put in mind the risks associated with the type of fun they want to indulge in.

One should have a goal, plan on how they can achieve that and stay focused.

Being a professional is not child’s play, it needs one to focus and be determined to walk the path, and it is not for the weak.

BY:Phodiso Gaebepe[BA (HONS) IN BROADCASTING AND JOURNALISM/CO FOUNDER OF SPORTSNATION]