Minister Kelebeng Pledges Support for School Sports and Stadium Upgrades. Minister of Sport, Honourable Jacob Kelebeng, visited Francistown on Monday, 24 February 2025, where he met with the Mayor, His Worship Gaone Majere, to discuss strategies for revitalizing the city’s economy through sports and the arts.
During the meeting, Mayor Majere urged the Minister to explore ways of leveraging sports and creative industries as catalysts for economic growth in Francistown. Minister Kelebeng affirmed that his ministry is actively working on solutions to strengthen school sports, emphasizing that young athletes should have access to proper facilities to develop their talents.
As part of his visit, the Minister toured the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, the only Confederation of African Football (CAF)-accredited stadium in Botswana. The tour aimed to provide him with first-hand insight into the current state of the facility and identify areas needing improvement.
One of the key takeaways from the tour was the planned renovation of the VIP roofing and seating area, which will be upgraded to meet CAF standards. The Minister also addressed concerns regarding stadium accessibility, stating that while its use is limited to prevent excessive wear and tear, high-attendance football league matches would continue to be accommodated.
Additionally, the Minister announced that school athletics competitions will continue to use all Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) stadiums at no cost, ensuring greater exposure and opportunities for young athletes.In response to community concerns about high usage fees and inadequate landscaping, the Ministry is expected to assess solutions to improve accessibility and overall stadium conditions.
