The Maun Sports Complex was abuzz this past weekend as spectators turned out in numbers for a special football tournament with a purpose, tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and road accidents through the power of sport.
The tournament, organised by Miami Stars in partnership with local stakeholders, brought together six social football teams from Maun. More than just a showcase of talent, the event aimed to encourage men to adopt the discipline, tactics, and teamwork seen on the pitch into their everyday lives.
Lead organiser, Elio Simon, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “The tournament was meant to urge men, through sport, to take the codes and discipline within football and apply them in real life, just like a team defends its goal, men should defend and protect their families,” he said.
The competition kicked off with thrilling encounters, including a curtain raiser that saw Bakwena edge out Tswapong 4–2. In the main fixtures, Miami Stars defeated Moremogolo 3–2, while Merchandisers overpowered Bagaetsho 4–2.
The highly anticipated final pitted Miami Stars against Merchandisers, where Miami Stars delivered a commanding 3–0 victory to lift the tournament trophy. Unlike traditional competitions, there was no prize money on offer only trophies and the greater reward of spreading an urgent message of awareness.
Support was overwhelming, with both men and women filling the stands to cheer and participate in the wider dialogue. The campaign particularly sought to engage men, who make up the majority of perpetrators in GBV cases and are disproportionately represented in road accident fatalities.
According to the Botswana Police Service, men account for the majority of road traffic fatalities in the country, with young males especially at risk as drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. These losses not only devastate families but also deepen the social and economic vulnerability of women and children left behind.
At the same time, according to UN Women, men are the primary perpetrators of gender-based violence, which continues to affect over 67% of women in Botswana. This dual reality underscores the need to challenge harmful norms around masculinity—seen in both reckless driving and violent behavior, while engaging men as key partners in building safer roads, healthier relationships, and communities free from violence.
Simon stressed that the event formed part of a broader national campaign. “This is a platform to make men more aware of road safety issues and the impact of gender-based violence. Sport gives us a powerful way to start those conversations,” he explained.
By the final whistle, Miami Stars had secured the trophy, but the true victory lay in uniting the Maun community under the call for safer roads and stronger families.
