Botswana 2012

Day 10 – November 16th The journey ends in Francistown

Our final session was at Mophato School where we joined a group of experienced juniors in the age range U15-17, who regularly played competitive hard ball school matches.   We split them up into bowling, batting and fielding groups, with every boy doing a drill or net session with us. We spent 2 hours with...

Day 9 – November 15th. Charlie’s Day: coach assessment day – or was it X Factor?

On the way to Masunga, it rained, but by the time we got there, the sun was out in full force, preparing to melt us again. Charlie organised the teachers into small groups so each one of us could observe each teacher as they each stepped the group through part of a drill, from introduction...

Day 8 November 14th – Meet the press in Masunga!

No surprise that the day started with another early start – off at 6:45 this time, after a night of no electricity meaning that the fans didn’t work; but that didn't mean any longer in bed. We’re all used to getting up at 5.30. The heat is getting to all of us now. One by...

Day 7 November 13th – The long arm of the law catches up with cricket.

After another very early start, it was off for the 2 hour drive to the Masunga sports complex, another scorcher awaited us on the astroturf. After an early departure from Francistown international airport by Gellers, the lead role was taken up by Charlie who who was now our coach tutor, ably assisted by his team. Already...

Day 6 November 12th – Another day in the blazing sun – this time in Masunga

The day started very early drive to Masunga, with some weary eyes, having spent the night with some weird and wonderful creepy crawlies. Onto the combi at 6.30 for our 2 hour drive to Masunga, in temperatures close to 40 degrees C. After passing through many one horse dorps (village consisting of a man and...

Day 5 November 11th – Visit to Francistown School for the Deaf

After a long 5 hour drive from Gabarone north to Francistown, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn into the tropics, avoiding a series of goats, donkeys, cows wandering across the road and a few accidents, we arrived at the Francistown school and orphanage for deaf children, where we were met by Clement Chipanga, the North East...

Day 4 – Friday 9th November – The boys melt in Moshupa

The day started, very much like England; overcast and windy, which was a relief to some of the guys after 4 days in the hot sun. We were driven by our excellent driver, Moxie on the hour long journey to Kgabophutti primary in Moshupa. Upon arrival, as usual, no teachers were in sight, the normal African...

Day 3 – Thursday 8th November: leader’s blog

Another sunny day in downtown Gabarone started early as our driver Mokwa (aka Moxie) arrived at at 7.30 for the 60 minute drive to Molopolele. After a hazardous drive through a varied landscape and 2 accidents on the roads, we eventually arrived. We were welcomed by the local area sports coordinator, Cecelia. After prayers led by...

Day 2 – Wednesday 7th November

Having watched Botswana snatch victory from Pakistan in a mini World Cup at the BCA the night before, day 3 started early with the hour and a half drive to Kanye south of Gaborone, just missing 2 scary accidents. Eventually we arrived at Motstatsing primary school after in temperatures approaching 40 degrees, where a donkey was...

Day 1 – Tuesday 6th November – Ramotswa

After a long trek to Gabaronne, a short 25 minute drive from the city and our hotel took us to the village of Ramotswa on to Seboko primary school, to coach and play on their dustbowl oval in 35 degree heat. We were met by the deputy headmistress who welcomed us to the school and the...

November 4th. The boys are back in town.

We all finally got here. Paul, Chis, Mark, Scott & Charlie got here first, followed shortly by Gellers, our coach tutor. Finally, after the boys had spent most of the afternoon socialising with the chaps at the Botswana Cricket Association, Suresh got there. Paul, our leader, as is his duty, was there to meet everyone...

Coming Soon

Not long to go now. The Botswana boys are on their way, arriviing this coming weekend and we've got our iterinary for week 1. Tuesday 6th November, we're visiting Seboko Primary School in Ramotswa  Wednesday 7th November- we're visiting Motsatsing Primary School in Kanye Thursday 8th November, we're visiting Phutadikobo Primary School in Molopolele Friday 9th November...