Botswana: Busy season starts

Cricket in Botswana is a low profile affair despite the busy schedule of matches played during a season which lasts from February to October.

While the game is played in various centres around the country, most activity takes place in the capital, Gaberones.

There a floodlt six-a-side league involving approximately 25 teams runs from February to May, followed by a 12 team 35 over league, which continues to August.

The Gaberones season winds up with a mini-World Cup, also played under lights, featuring 11-a-side teams representing seven or eight nationalities from the local expatriate community.

Francistown conducts similar tournaments on a smaller scale, while Jwaneng, Orapa and Selebi Phikwe all host six-a-side leagues.

National inter-district competitions are also planned, involving eight centres. The first of these will be played on a six-a-side basis, followed by a 50-overs-a-side league from April to September.

Appearances by the national senior team tend to be rare, coming out of hibernation only for the Africa Cup, held every two years.

However, an under 15 national team will compte in an Africa Cricket Association sponsored tournament in March.

Junior cricket is being played in Primary and Secondary schools, mainly in Gaberones and Francistown.

Officials hope to continue the successful coaching clinics held last year as part of the International Cricket Council's development programme. Umpiring courses are also planned.