In celebration of Women’s Month, the Dynamites Basketball Club in partnership with the Botswana Basketball Association Women’s Commission, hosted the Women’s Month 3 by 3 Tournament this weekend in Gaborone, showcasing skill, unity, and empowerment.
Initially planned as an all-women’s tournament, the organisers decided to include men to highlight the importance of male allies in women’s empowerment.
“As much as we see empowerment of women, we still need men behind us,” said Naledi Morojwa, the co-captain of Dynamites Basketball Club.
The competition featured 17 teams in two categories making: the Under-20 division and the Open category, both of which were mixed-gender events. Teams had the flexibility to include different combinations of male and female players, emphasizing inclusivity.
In the Under-20 division, the team Lions emerged victorious, securing medals and t-shirts. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Susan Mbata for her outstanding performance. The final match saw Lions triumph over Giants of Africa with a close score of 10-8. Meanwhile, in the Open category, Skontere clinched the title with a 17-12 victory over Hoop Titans, with Natasha Lopang from Skotere receiving, MVP in the category.
Beyond competition, the tournament aimed to spotlight the challenges women face in basketball. Morojwa emphasized that many women struggle to balance their sporting aspirations with other life commitments. “Women not only carry weight in sports but also in their personal lives—education, work, and family. Eventually, something has to give,” she explained. The lack of support and opportunities, such as international tournaments, further hinders their progress in the sport.
Despite these hurdles, Morojwa sees potential for growth, particularly with leadership support. She shared her belief that the leadership is in support of implementing initiatives that foster the development of female players. She also highlighted the need for women to uplift one another rather than being overly protective of their own success.
Looking ahead, the Dynamites Basketball Club plans to build on this momentum by hosting another tournament in October or November. Additionally, they aim to transition from a 3×3 format to a 5-on-5 team, allowing for broader participation and increased exposure. “We want to compete in national and international 3×3 tournaments to establish our name and create more opportunities for women,” Morojwa shared. The club also envisions forming a women’s coalition to support female players within the league and, eventually, becoming a league team themselves.
The Women’s Month 3×3 Tournament was more than just a basketball event—it was a statement of resilience, inclusion, and the ongoing fight for gender equality in sports. With continued support and strategic initiatives, women’s basketball in Botswana is poised for a promising future.
