Category: Sports

First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) has been announced as the Botswana Golden Grand Prix title sponsor after injecting P6 million sponsorship.The event, which has been relegated to silver status, will be held at the National Stadium on April 26.Speaking at the sponsorship launch on April13, Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng said FNBB’s investment was not only financial, but an expression of confidence in the talent, ambition and potential of Batswana.Kelebeng said partnerships of such nature did a lot to anchor sport, strengthened its credibility and gave it room to grow.“For us as government, this partnership reinforces our mission to develop sport as a pathway for opportunity, pride and national progress. For the organisers, it provides the foundation required to deliver an event that meets global standards. For the nation, it is a moment to rally behind a project that unites us and showcases our capabilities to the world,” he said.He further said the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix would serve as a test event for the World Athletics Relays, which Botswana would host on May 2-3.Kelebeng said the event provided an opportunity to demonstrate Botswana’s readiness to deliver world class events with excellence and professionalism.Beyond the track, he said the effects of the Grand Prix extended into the broader economy, because hosting an event of this magnitude stimulated economic activity, created opportunities for local businesses and boosted sectors such as tourism, hospitality, creative industries, transport and services.He added that ordinary Batswana would benefit, directly and indirectly, from the success of the event, which affirmed that sport was not only about medals but also served as a driver of development.FNBB chief executive officer, Steven Bogatsu said Botswana was living through a defining sporting era as athletes had changed how the world viewed the country.He said they had shown that excellence could rise from schools, communities and national discipline, and athletes had also given young people something of priceless proof that global greatness could wear Botswana’s colours.In that regard, Bogatsu said the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix was one of the clearest expressions of the new era.“Under the leadership of Glody Dube and with the commitment of partners across the sporting ecosystem, this event has grown into far more than a competition,” he said.Bogatsu said the event was now a platform of national significance, as it told the world that Botswana could convene elite sport, inspire local talent and convert athletic excellence into broader economic and social value.Furthermore, he said it demonstrated that the nation could host with confidence, organise with professionalism and compete with credibility.

First Division South league log pacesetters Prisons XI have automatically gained promotion to the elite Botswana Premier league.The Warders, as Prisons XI are fondly called in football circles confirmed their top flight spot by a narrow one-nil victory over Holy Ghost Sporting Club, at Holy Ghost Park in Mmopane on Saturday.Prisons XI promotion to top fight league campaign was further cemented by a shocking result in Lobatse where second placed Dinare FC who were heavily breathing on their necks succumbed to a similar score line against less fancied Union Flamingo Santos.With stakes high for the visitors at the start of match, the home side were no pushovers as they are also eyeing to finish inside the top four bracket and qualify for the FA cup berth.Prisons XI had to wait until the 50th minute when Kebatshabile Monthe struck from a goalmouth melee after home team goal keeper, Lefika Ngwako failed to collect an easy shot inside the box.The home team buoyed by a sizeable number of supporters on the western side had numerous chances in front of goal in the first half while Prisons XI sat back and absorbed pressure forcing the two sides to go to the break goalless.Tatenda Mbikiwa’s charges undoubtedly the hungrier of the two sides upped their tempo after the break and struck five minutes into the second stanza through a well-placed Monthe tap in.The home team had several chances to level matters but were indecisive on all occasions.The Holy Boys could not stage a comeback against a water tight defensive line of the Warders who held firmly onto their advantage to clinch victory and outright promotion to the elite league.Dinare FC secured a spot in the promotional playoffs despite losing on home soil.In other First Division South league games played on Saturday afternoon, Thamaga Shooting Stars compounded Majweng FC woes by beating them 3-1.Majweng has been relegated to the Kweneng region division one league.Taung Young Strikers shared the spoils with Jwaneng Young Stars while Security Systems and Notwane FC also played to a goalless draw.

Born and raised in the dusty, quiet village of Digawana over four decades ago, Tshepo “Talk Talk” Motlhabankwe rose to become a household name in Botswana football.

Like many boys of his generation, in the absence of structured academies, Motlhabankwe honed his skills on makeshift grounds, kicking a plastic ball with friends. Few could have predicted that the shy youngster would mature into one of the country’s most respected footballers.

According to his former teacher and coach at Lobatse Secondary School, Boniface Lekaba, Motlhabankwe’s talent became evident as early as 1998 when boarding students were just passing time over the weekend soccer game. 

“He was reluctant to play for the school team at first,” Lekaba recalled. “I think he was intimidated by older, more established players, some of whom were already registered with clubs like Lobatse Stars and Extension Gunners.”

With encouragement, Motlhabankwe eventually joined the school team, playing primarily at right back, though he occasionally featured in midfield.

Lekaba revealed that he had earmarked him for Botswana Meat Commission (BMC), where he was coaching at the time, but the problem was from Motlhabankwe’s father, a staunch Extension Gunners supporter.

After leaving school, Motlhabankwe briefly joined Kanye-based Southern Pirates before making a pivotal move to Extension Gunners.

Patrick Phale, a close family friend and mentor, shared how they facilitated the move.

“We took him for trials at Gunners without management knowing,” he said. “When coach Daniel ‘Chico Dance’ Nare accepted him, we then negotiated his release. Back then, transfers were not as complicated as they are today.”

It was at Extension Gunners, around the year 2000, that Motlhabankwe’s raw talent was refined under Nare’s guidance. He went on to establish himself as a key figure for the Peleng side, even captaining established players such as Itumeleng “Tumi” Duicker and Nephtally “Scara” Kebalepile.

His performances eventually earned him a move to Mochudi Centre Chiefs, much to the disappointment of Gunners supporters.

At Chiefs, Motlhabankwe enjoyed tremendous success, winning three league titles in the 2007–08, 2011–12 and 2012–13 seasons. He was part of a formidable squad that included Pontsho Moloi, Oteng “OT” Moalosi, Jerome Ramatlhakwana, Mpho “Jomo” Mabogo and Noah Maposa.

He later returned to Lobatse for a brief stint with BMC before joining Township Rollers in 2015. Despite being in his 30s, Motlhabankwe enjoyed a remarkable late-career resurgence, winning four consecutive league titles from 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19..

During his time with Rollers, he was part of the historic squad that won the 2018 Mascom Top 8 and reached the group stages of the CAF Champions League, competing against continental heavyweights such as Al Ahly (Egypt), Espérance (Tunisia) and KCCA (Uganda).

Motlhabankwe concluded his playing career at Gilport Lions before transitioning into coaching.

Widely regarded as one of the finest right backs of his generation, he was also a key member of the Botswana national team, the Zebras. He played a pivotal role in the team that qualified for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a historic achievement for the country.

Having been introduced to the national team setup by coach Veselin Jelusic in the early 2000s, Motlhabankwe remained a dependable figure for over a decade.

Following news of his passing this past Sunday, tributes have poured in from across the football fraternity, honouring a man who left an indelible mark on the domestic game.

He will be laid to rest tomorrow in his home village of Digawana.

Owning a successful race horse can yield financial returns, particularly when the horse triumphs in prestigious competitions.

Beyond the monetary rewards, the thrill of watching a horse one has trained and nurtured,  compete and win before an enthusiastic crowd brings an unmatched surge of adrenaline for owners and trainers alike.

For Timon Kelebeng of TT Stable in Motokwe, victory is about more than excitement. His prominent horse, Western Bypass, recently clinched the 2400-meter grand race at the Masa Easter Cup held in Samedupi, walking away with P20,000 in prize money.

Despite the win, Kelebeng views the earnings as merely a validation of the dedication and passion invested in raising the horse.

Western Bypass, a thoroughbred, has consistently dominated local races. Last year, it won the same Masa Easter Cup, earning P30,000, and successfully defended the title this year.

Kelebeng, who owns six racehorses, expressed confidence in Western Bypass, attributing its consistent performance to quality care and training.

“The prize for horse racing events in Botswana remains very low due to lack of sponsorship, yet the cost of maintaining a race horse is extremely high. Winning P20 000 is just a drop in the bucket,” Kelebeng said in an interview.

He called on potential sponsors to support the sport in order to grow the industry.

Kelebeng who is also president of the Botswana Horse Racing Association noted that in other countries, horse racing was a thriving multi-billion-Pula industry that extended beyond the racetrack. 

Top-tier horses can command millions even after their racing careers, providing long-term returns for their owners, he said.

Top athletes have shown appetite in competing at the coming Botswana Golden Grand Prix billed for the National Stadium on April 26.

Those who have confirmed participation include Canadians Andre De Grasse and Jerome Blake, Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, Mark Otieno, Isaac Omurwa as well as South Africa’s Bradley Nkoana, Wayde Van Niekerk who will be competing in the 200 meters men category.

In the 200 meters women, the 2024 Olympic champion from USA, Gabby Thomas will be in the house with the duo of Leah Bertrand and Eyayu Mekuanent from Trinidad and Tobago.

The host country is not left behind as the duo of its rising athletics stars being Tshepiso Masalela and Kethogile Haingura having confirmed their participation in the 800 meters distance.

BGGP spoke person, Calistus Kolantsho said preparations were at an advanced stage, adding that their aim was to re-claim their golden status.

Kolantsho said the event title sponsors and other sponsors will be unveiled in the coming days. He however said most of their sponsors were not new to the event as they have been working with them in the past years.

He said with the caliber of athletes they were bound to attract, they were confident to sell tickets in large numbers and fill the stadium to full capacity.

“The past two events Lefika Athletics Relays and Orange Botswana Athletics National Championships has challenged us to be very robust in our marketing strategies, because we have observed that people did not turn up in large numbers,” he said.

A cycling company, Chain Reaction will host its maiden cycling race dubbed the Kgatleng Mountain Bike (MTB) challenge.
The event scheduled for April 11 in the Kgatleng District will serve as a catalyst to the local cycling scene, which had shown low activity following the COVID pandemic.
“After working closely with the cycling community through our tours and rentals, we felt a responsibility to step into the race organising space and provide a platform for riders to compete, connect and grow,” said Ofentse Gaesi of Chain Reaction.
Gaesi said the Kgatleng MTB challenge race was more than just a race, but a celebration of the rugged beauty of the Kgatleng District as well as promotion of cycling culture and healthy lifestyle across the country.
With their knowledge and expertise of local and regional race standards, Chain Reaction promises to deliver an expertly curated route starting from Rasesa, weaving through Rasesa and Pilane before crossing under the A1 to Tshele Hills and back to finish point.
The race with route distances of 60km, 40km as well as 30km is inclusive of elites, weekend warriors and beginners’ categories.
“Our move into event management marks a major milestone, from humble beginning as a rental company,” said Gaesi adding that the company remained open to strategic partnerships with organisations looking to support health, wellness and local sports development.
Registration for the Kgatleng MTB Challenge race is available online at www.ticketlinc.co.bw as well as at BK Cycles and D&G Cycles.
Registration fee is P100 across all route distances.

Tributes from former teammates and fans have started to pour in for former Zebras defender Tshepo ‘Talk Talk’ Motlhabankwe who has passed on at the age of 46.

One of Botswana’s football legend, Motlhabankwe, enjoyed play at both club and national level. 

With a career spanning nearly two decades, his career can be traced from, Extension Gunners, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Township Rollers. He was also a coach, respected for his mentorship skills. Motlhabankwe’s efforts were also instrumental in qualifying the national team for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

A tribute from Township Rollers highlights Motlhabankwe’s distinct leadership and dedication, which made him one of the greatest players Botswana has ever produced. 

“On and off the pitch, he inspired teammates, fans and the next generations.” 

Joel Mogorosi also paid tribute to one of the country’s football heroes.

“Tiago mortar my broe, the best right back defender and midfielder of all the time for our generation…” he said on his Facebook page.

Botswana Football Association president, Tariq Babitseng also extended condolences to the Motlhabankwe family and the football community.

In a press release, he noted that Motlhabankwe’s contribution to the game would remain etched in the history of Botswana football.

“In honour of his legacy, we kindly request that all matches played across the country observe a moment of silence prior to kick-off, Babitseng said in a press statement. 

When the country’s elite athletes are on track, the clock does not stand a chance. This emerged during the three day Orange Botswana Athletics National Championships where athletes pushed boundaries of human endurance and speed to clock new record.

The championships, held at the National Stadium had been so far the highlight of the local athletics calendar.

The 400 meters world champion, Collen Kebinatshipi was among the exceptional performers, producing a World Lead of 9.89 seconds in 100 meters, which was also a Stadium Record. Another highlight was in the 110 hurdles, where Kemorena Tisang clocked a new National Record of 13.81 seconds.

An icing on the cake was when two U20 athletes, Same Mhutsiwa clocked 24.29 seconds and Jack Newman recorded of 21.16 seconds in 200 meters, both qualifying for the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships scheduled for August 5 to 9 at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon, United States.

Even though Botswana is well known for its strength and dominance in the 400 meters, the 2026 championships has demystified the notion after a brilliance performance in the 200 meters senior men. Prince Selepe won a closely contested event in by 20.08 seconds, closely followed by Justice Oratile and Kevin Lobatlamang with 20.22 seconds, and 20.40 seconds respectively.

Coach Chilume Ntshwarang of Jwaneng Athletics and national team said the nationals were extra ordinary as athletes gave their all. “We have also seen good times in the 400 meters women final with more than three athletes recording Personal Best Times, and I am very happy with my team’s performance,” he said.

Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 national team coach, Mogomotsi Otsetswe also commended athletes for doing well across all the events. “We have athletes who can now compete in the 4×100, 4×100 mixed and 4×400 meters in both men and women categories. I know the world will be focusing on our 4×400 men’s relays but we have a clear message for them, we have solid teams,” he said.

The event title sponsor, Orange Botswana was equally happy with overall standard of the event. Public Relations and Communications manager, Tebogo Nadisah said Orange Botswana was proud to stand behind the event as the title sponsor.

Nadisah said their role went beyond branding, as it was about supporting platforms that brought people together, celebrated talent and created opportunities.

“Orange is no stranger to the world of sport. Over the years, our brand has consistently backed platforms and talent that reflect the country’s spirit of excellence and ambition. This includes its partnership with Olympic Gold medalist Letsile Tebogo, whose achievements on the global stage continue to inspire new generations of athletes,” she said.

Botswana U-14 tennis national team is in Egypt for the ITF/CAT African Junior Championships on Clay Court (AJCCC)scheduled for April 6 to 11.

The continental event is one of the important competitions on the junior tennis calendar. It brings together top young players from across Africa to battle for ranking points and continental honours.

Ahead of the main event, the team is participating in a warm up tournament, which kicked off yesterday and will run until Saturday.

Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) vice president, Nonofo Othusitse said the preparatory competition was expected to offer players practice on clay courts.

He said BTA was confident that the early exposure would enhance the players’ readiness and sharpen their competitive edge. Othusitse further said BTA had sent a solid team, confident enough to fully compete with their peers.

The national squad consist of Tinashe Phatshwane, Malak Macheng, Camilla Seetso and Angel Chakanyuka.

Othusitse said the players had been training intensively in recent weeks, focusing on physical conditioning, technical drills, and tactical play suited for clay court tennis.

“The players have been part of the core national team for some time now and this makes us believe that the group has the potential to deliver strong performances and represent the country with pride,” he said.

Following the Egypt championships, Tinashe will head straight to the African Regional Training Centre (ARTC) in Tunisia, where he will be based following awarding of a scholarship by the ITF to study and play tennis.

He joins Malak at the same centre, who left early this year. The African Regional Training Centre is well known for producing top tennis players.

Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) is targeting seven medal at the coming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

The games will be held from July 23 to August 2 and Team Botswana will compete Athletics, Boxing Judo, Lawn Bowling, Weightlifting, and Swimming. The targeted seven medals comprises two Gold, two Silver and three Bronze.

Botswana has also assembled a youth team that will represent the country at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games slated for October 31 to November 13. The team will compete in Athletics, Boxing, Judo, and Swimming.

Addressing a press conference, BNOC president, Tshepo Sitale said the Commonwealth Games bound team would be led by Tebogo Ntesang, while Master Luza would lead the Youth Olympics as Chef De Mission

Sitale said the two were chosen on merit, following a rigorous interview process.

BNOC chief executive officer, Dorothy Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe said the BNOC had submitted a proposed budget of over P16.5 million to Ministry of Sport and Arts toward preparations and participation in the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

She said the committee had so far received over P2.6 million.

“Follow-ups have been made, and the BNOC is currently awaiting feedback from the Ministry. The commonwealth sports also contributed supported preparations with a grant of P751, 000 which was used in the preparations,” she said.

Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe said part of the grant would go toward funding the Weightlifting team for their qualification events in Samoa on April 25 and Egypt on May 10 to 17.

She added that the plan was to organise training camp during the school holidays. Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe said the grant would also cater for athletes who would be participating at the Sepeng Invitational Challenge on April 5 to 8, and local training camp form June 22 to July 03.

Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe said the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 would also act as an important preparation event for the games.

Additionally, she said boxing was also assisted in preparing to participate at the U19 World Fixtures Cup in Bangkok, Thailand.

She added that Judo team recently participated in the Dakar African Open Judo Championships, while Bowling would have local training camps as well as being part of the Nest Training Clinic Indoor green in Pretoria, South Africa.