UB power to victory at the FNBB BOTESSA National Champs
Blitzing the competition in a display of total dominance, University of Botswana (UB) proved far too good for the rest, easing to victory at the FNBB BOTESSA National Championships over the weekend.
Last played in 2019, the tertiary and vocational school ball-sports tournament was making its return after a three-year Covid-19 enforced absence.
Held at various venues across Gaborone and featuring 10 different sports codes, the sporting spectacle saw over 700 athletes from 67 institutions descend on the capital city for a memorable three days of competition.
Making up for lost time, UB demonstrated their supremacy, cruising to the championship, with a winning haul of: seven gold, 15 silver and 12 bronze medals.
They were especially dominant in badminton, collecting gold in the Men’s doubles, Ladies singles and doubles as well as the mixed doubles. Their ladies teams also finished first in football and basketball while the men struck volleyball gold.
Showing just how far ahead of the pack UB were, Botho University’s two golds (Men’s Basketball and Volleyball) was enough to ensure they finished second.
The top performers will now represent the country at the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) Games in South Africa next August.
In a brief interview with Voice Sport, BOTESSA’s mouthpiece, Obonetse Boitumelo said the association was delighted at the huge turn-out, as well as the high-quality on show.
“The competition was more competitive compared to previous ones. For the first time we had more than 700 athletes which is new to us, and we are happy as the numbers brought competition to the championships. The tournament went well,” reflected Boitumelo, who has his sights set on CUSCA glory in SA as BW look to go one better than the second place they managed in Malawi last year.
“The next CUCSA Games we might become the champions looking at how the kids performed and considering the fact that the last CUCSA Games South Africa was only two medals ahead of us,” he said.
