Category: Sports

After losing 3-0 against Senegal in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on Tuesday, Botswana will take on Benin on Saturday. 

The match will be played at the Stade Annexe Olympique Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

Benin also lost their opening match 1-0 against The Democratic Republic of Congo, which means that both sides will be fighting to register their first victory.

Botswana head coach, Morena Ramoreboli was however hopeful that his charges would turn the corner against the Cheetahs, who were ranked 20th in Africa, while the Zebras were number 42.

Ramoreboli had promised to make a couple of tactical changes, saying they would be having more numbers in attack looking to create and score goals. 

The South African born coach is of the view that they were on the right track and they just needed to improve concentration during the match.

 “This is the right platform for us to promote the talent we have in Botswana, and try to say to the world, here is the talent let us see how best we can develop these talent,” Ramoreboli said.

He said the match would not be easy and the Zebras would need to change situations, force things, and be ready to work hard. 

He said the players would also need to put pressure on themselves to win, especially at the AFCON stage where they knew that there were people profiling and analysing their performances. 

“We also need to be honest, it is not easy to erase any bad results or defeat, in the minds of the players. They will want to do well and they always put themselves under pressure so that they can also be counted amongst the best,” he said. 

Despite losing 3-0 to Senegal in their opening TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D clash on December 23 evening, the senior national football team, Zebras head coach Morena Ramoreboli saw some positives from the team’s performance.

Ramoreboli said after the match that they were many positives, given that they were able to deal with some elements properly, especially when Senegal was looking to attack through the central space.

He said the Zebras were stubborn in dealing with that aspect and managed to close spaces in the middle.

“We never allowed them to play in the central corridor, secondly we dealt so well with their threat especially with set-pieces, which is one area where Senegal has been causing threat in many matches,” he said.

Zebras goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko was called on to make many saves, and according to the South African-born coach, they only conceded goals at moments when the players’ concentration dropped.

He said the first goal scored by Nicolas Jacksonin the 39th minute came at a time when they should have concentrated, but they made a mistake by not adequately dealing with the outside space. Senegal played and cross into the penalty area Jackson tapped in from close range.

Ramoreboli was of the view that they could have done better with the second goal by bypassing the second line and playing to the last line.

“But we choose to play through, and Senegal pressed Tumisang Orebonye, won the ball and scored. The last goal it is us trying to get a goal by pushing numbers but they played quickly on the side, got the cross and netted the third goal,” he said.

In that regard, the Zebras coach said those were lessons, and although they did not start the tournament well.

“But we can only take the positives out of this game as we go to the next match against Benin, who have also lost their match, and it means that it is going to be a tough one, but we have to make sure that we organise ourselves properly, dust ourselves and get the result,” he said.

The Zebras will take on Benin on December 27 at the Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Abdellah, in Rabat, Morocco.

Against the backdrop of a small population, the country did not just compete on the global stage, but conquered.

From the thunderous roar of the World Athletics Championships, where a quartet of sprinters stunned the world to claim a historic gold medal, to the steady rise of junior tennis aces and the continental breakthrough of women’s football, this was a year of profound achievement.

The country reaffirmed its status as an emerging sporting powerhouse, demonstrating that talent, sheer grit and strategic hosting can transform a small nation into a giant of African sport.

ATHLETICS

Although the code faced challenges like doping cases, the athletes delivered the most spectacular and historic results, placing Botswana firmly on the world map.

Botswana won its first-ever 4x400m men’s relay gold medal, dethroning long-time track nemesis the USA at the World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo, Japan. The victorious team comprised Lee Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Collen Kebinatshipi. The President of Botswana, Advocate Gideon Boko, even declared a public holiday to celebrate the historic victory.

In the men’s 400m individual medals, Botswana made history by fielding three athletes in a major competition final. Kebinatshipi won the first-ever 400m men’s gold medal, setting a new National Record and World Lead of 43.53 seconds, while Ndori secured a bronze medal with a time of 44.20 seconds.

Still in athletics, Botswana was awarded the right to host the 2026 World Athletics Relays to be held in Gaborone next year from May 2-3, marking the first time in history the event will be hosted in Africa.
In the Paralympics, Botswana won a bronze medal at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships held in New Delhi, India, courtesy of Bose Mokgwathi in the Men’s T13 400m, while Gloria Majaga and Edwin Masuge made it to the finals.

FOOTBALL

Gaborone United achieved unprecedented success, marking a historic breakthrough into Africa’s elite club competition.
The club’s men’s team was crowned Premier League champions while the women’s team won both the Women’s League and the DTCB Championship.
By virtue of winning the DTCB, GU women qualified for and won the COSAFA Women’s Champions League Cup Qualifiers, making history for Botswana.
They subsequently qualified for the CAF Women’s Champions League where they were eliminated in the group stages.
On one hand, the senior women’s national team, The Mares, competed at the WAFCON finals in Morocco.
Although eliminated in the group stages, they showed competitive fire, holding Africapowerhouse Nigeria until the 90th minute for a solitary goal loss, winning 1-0 against Algeria and losing 2-0 against Tunisia.

TENNIS

Botswana continued to leverage hosting international events to afford local players critical exposure, yielding remarkable success from its junior circuit players.
Botswana successfully hosted the Davis Cup Africa Group V event for the second consecutive year and won the event, gaining promotion to Africa Group IV.

Fresh from winning the J100 Nairobi held in Kenya, Ntungamili Raguin became the first Motswana player to win titles back-to-back at the locally hosted International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour Juniors tournaments.
He won a total of five ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors singles titles in 2025, including the J100 and J60 Gaborone, J100 Nairobi, J100 Algiers, and J60 Nairobi and reached a career-high junior world ranking of 167.
Hosting Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) Under 14 Circuit tournaments contributed to eight Botswana players qualifying for the African Junior Championships.

Malak Macheng qualified for the Under 14 African Masters, which had attracted only eight top players in the continent in both the boys’ and girls’ sections. Three top players, Raguin, Malak and Denzel Seetso, were awarded the Zebra athletes fund sponsorships.

At the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games, Botswana won a silver for the team event, one gold for boys’ singles and two silver medals for boys’ and girls’ doubles.
Mark Nawa and Chelsea Chakanyuka received the Elite Scholarship funding to attend Universities in the US. Malak also received the CAT scholarship to attend the African Regional Training Centre based in Sousse, Tunisia, for the 2026 season.
Gaone Poane became the first Motswana Bronze Badge chair umpire, officiating at the French Open and Wimbledon. Two wheelchair tennis players, Omphile Bothasitse and Mosa Mogaladi, achieved world rankings, ranked 16th and 65th under girls’ and boys’ categories respectively. Keseketswe ‘Kessie’ Ketletseng attained a white badge level chair umpire recognition under ITF officiating.

SWIMMING

The country’s aquatic athletes delivered a strong showing at the regional level, highlighted by multiple individual records. Swimmers brought home six gold medals from the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Championships held in eSwatini, Swaziland, in September.
Debutante Jade Chilisa won three gold medals and broke two Championship Records (CRs): 50m backstroke (28.62 CR) and 100m breaststroke (1:10.05 CR). She also won gold with a time of 32.34 in the 50 metres fly. Yun-Suh Chang won two gold medals, including a gold in the 50 metres backstroke with a time of 33.90 and a Championship Record in the 100m breaststroke (1:14.33 CR).

KARATE

The Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) successfully hosted the Gabs Open Karate Tournament, attracting hundreds of entries from across Southern Africa, reinforcing the country as a regional hub for the sport.

BOXING

Three elite male boxers, Kobamelo Molatlhegi, Ribbin Modise and Katlego Keorapetse, were selected to compete at the lucrative 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships in Dubai. Katlego Keorapetse was crowned the Best Male Boxer at the 2025 BoBA Best of Best Tournament in March, securing the Bantamweight Gold Medal.

CRICKET

The Botswana National Cricket Team was actively engaged in the 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final Qualifier in Zimbabwe, gaining valuable experience against strong regional sides.

NETBALL

The Botswana Netball Association (BONA) elected a new leadership, which appointed a highly experienced South African coach, Martha Mosoahle-Samm, signalling a strong intent to return the code to competitive prominence.
The triumphs of 2025, the Athletics gold rush, the Davis Cup promotion, the historic CAF Women’s Champions League qualification, as well as the emergence of youth stars across multiple codes, have created an irreversible momentum. As Botswana prepares to host the 2026 World Athletics Relays, the country is ready to leverage its recent success, build on this national pride and continue its inspiring journey from a rising star to a true global sporting force.

As the senior national team, the Zebras, depart their training camp on Friday en route to Morocco for the AFCON finals, confidence is high following a productive camp in the coastal town of Tabarka, north-western Tunisia.

The players underwent high-intensity sessions, timely preparations given the demands of Group D, which features Senegal, DR Congo and Benin. Head coach Morena Ramoreboli left nothing to chance in selecting his final squad, with the South African tactician applying a meticulous approach to assemble a balanced and competitive unit.

Ramoreboli has stressed the importance of total commitment, reminding players that they will be fighting for the badge. In football, the opening match often sets the tone, and the Zebras’ first Group D fixture against Senegal on December 23 at Tangier Grand Stadium will be crucial.

While Senegal may be favourites on paper, football is unpredictable. The Zebras have gone there to compete, not merely to participate and opponents should not underestimate them on the basis of FIFA rankings. Ramoreboli described the Tabarka camp as a success, citing the intensity and quality of the sessions.

“I also want to give credit to the players, particularly the senior ones, for ensuring that the physical and physiological aspects were addressed so that everyone is ready,” he said.

He added that the team benefited greatly from the structure of the camp, which concludes with a preparatory match against Tunisia on Thursday (December 18). The fixture, he explained, was aimed at sharpening performance ahead of the Senegal clash.

“For the first time since I’ve been with the team, this is the longest period we’ve spent together. It has already helped to bring everyone together,” Ramoreboli noted.

He said the camp also improved players’ understanding of his tactical demands.

“It was a blessing in disguise that we managed to have this camp. The understanding and team spirit are high, and we have been pushing one another to achieve our goal,” he said.

After facing Senegal, the Zebras will meet Benin on December 27 at the Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Abdellah. Their final Group D match will be against DR Congo national football team on December 30 at Al Medina Stadium. 

The sponsorship, from Mogoditshane Community Trust Fund, will cover 100 football kits for two female teams set to participate in the annual tournament, scheduled for January 2 next year, at Solomon Dihutso Grounds in Mogoditshane.
Speaking during the sponsorship unveiling, Mogoditshane Community Trust Fund representative, Alfred Setlhake said the initiative was part of the trust’s charitable mandate to address the needs of the Mogoditshane community, particularly women.
“This sponsorship is our way of ensuring that women are not left behind in our community,” said Setlhake.
The kits feature an embroidered message that condemns gender-based violence (GBV), which Setlhake described as one of the most pressing social challenges the trust was committed to fight.
Meanwhile, Matlolapata tournament representative, Kehumile Kgoroba, expressed gratitude to the trust Fund, describing the tournament as one of Mogoditshane’s most enduring sporting events, which had consistently attracted large crowds since its inception in 1993.
He said the sponsorship not only enhanced the event’s profile, but also increased the commercial appeal of the local game and thereby reflecting its steady growth over the years.
Kgoroba shared his vision of transforming the Matlolapata tournament into a platform that gave back to the community, by supporting the needy and elderly as it continued to expand.
 The tournament will feature seven teams competing from morning until evening, comprising Under-15, Under-17 and Under-20 players, followed by junior masters and veteran players, said Kgoroba. 

TT Horse Racing Event staged a thrilling and exciting eighth edition of the Premiere Champion Cup horse racing at Masa Racing park in Samedupi, a few kilometres from Maun.

The event marked the first time the race was held in the North West district since its inception in 2018. The activity attracted quality top horses from Botswana, Namibia and South Africa to battle it out for the prize money.
The spectacular event also brought together thousands of spectators from all walks of life to experience and witness the excitement that comes with the competition, as well as the beauty of the fast-paced and majestic animals. Some fans took part in betting on the races, which added another layer of excitement and anticipation.
All eyes were on the famous thoroughbred horse, ‘Western Bypass’, which had achieved multiple victories in high-profile races this year, but it did not compete due to an injury.
Owned by Tymon Kelebeng from Motokwe, Western Bypass had consistently performed well in several races, including winning the grand race of 2 400 metres. It was crowned the champion of the second edition of the Masa Horse race as well as the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan Challenge this year, pocketing P30 000 in each race. The absence of the horse from the race left its fans disappointed.
However, Silver Sky, owned by Gotlhophemang Alone from Takatokwane, became the champion of the Premier Champion Cup grand race and walked away P32 000 richer. Super Jet and Aftershock horses, owned by Kelebeng and Piet Bruwer respectively, both from Motokwe, settled for position two and three and pocketed P20 000 and P10 000 respectively.
The speedy Silver Sky, also stole the show in a competitive opening race of the 1 600-metre category, claiming first position and a reward of P10 000, followed by Aftershock and Forever Young in second and third place, whose owners walked away with P7 000 and P5 000 respectively. Namibian horses also took turns dominating some of the races.
The event featured two categories: Tswana and Thoroughbreds, with races ranging from 1 000 to 2 400 metres.
In an interview, the joyful Alone thanked his fans, saying their support always motivated him, the horse trainer and the jockey to do their best in preparing the horse, hence its continued excellence in several races. Silver Sky also outclassed other horses in the just-ended Charles Hill Racing Cup.
“I deserved to win because I prepared my horses very well for the race with the aim of becoming champs in all races,” he added.
He encouraged fellow horse owners to exercise patience and take care of their horses despite the high maintenance, citing that if horses were in good condition, they could bring good results.
The event organiser, also the Botswana Horse Racing Association president, Kelebeng, commended horse owners for their commitment in taking care of the horses and ensuring that they participated in the race.
He said horse racing was a big industry that could diversify the economy, creating employment opportunities for young people, as most jockeys were youth from rural areas. He urged government and potential sponsors to continue supporting the sector to ensure development and growth.
“The majority of our jockeys are from disadvantaged families and through horse racing, we are trying to uplift their living conditions through the monies they win from various races. Horse racing is part of the local culture and also an economic opportunity,” he added.
To see the sector growing, Kelebeng said, was a strong indication that the sport was loved by many people and was here to stay, noting that the sport could also be seen as a way to bring people together from different backgrounds and cultures who shared a common interest in the sport.
While he appreciated that horse racing had become an important source of income for many people involved in the industry, from jockeys to trainers to owners, Kelebeng revealed that it also stimulated the local economy as small businesses bought stalls to earn better profits.

Enesia FC surged to second place on the log after a commanding 4–0 win over Mbalakalungu SC in a First Division North encounter played at the Francistown City Council Stadium on Saturday.
From the opening whistle, Enesia FC set the tempo with relentless attacking play, pinning Mbalakalungu SC deep in their half. Although several early chances went begging, the pressure eventually told.
The breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute when Kudzani Sibanda rifled home a superb strike. Momentum swung firmly Enesia’s way as Joseph Nkgoeng doubled the lead just four minutes later, sending the hosts into the break with a deserved 2–0 advantage.
Enesia FC wasted no time after the commencement of the second half . Mothusi Ipotseng struck in the 46th minute to make it 3–0, effectively ending the contest. Nkgoeng then completed his brace with an emphatic finish in the 68th minute to seal a comprehensive 4–0 victory.
In a post-match interview , Enesia FC coach Chris Mawanza praised his players’ cohesion and execution, expressing satisfaction with their progress and the quality of football on display. In contrast, Mbalakalungu SC coach Motlhagodi Baatshwana described the defeat as humiliating, citing travel fatigue after his side arrived shortly before kickoff.
The result lifts Enesia FC into second place behind Tsabotlhe FC, whose fixture against Sankoyo Bush Bucks was postponed.
In other fixtures,  Tonota FC  and BR Highlanders ended in a 1-1 draw; Ferry Wanderers triumphed over Eleven Angels with 3-0, JJ United secured a narrow victory against Motlakase Power FC with a final score 1-0. The match between Ndundu and Tshinyega Tigers FC was not played. 

BONA Life has officially launched its partnership with the MAP Loxcion Golf programme, an investment that seeks to develop golf skills of young children aged between five and 13 years.
This is a reflection of BONA’s commitment to community development and a move that seeks to foster discipline and character-building in children through the sport.
The life insurer’s CEO, Phatsimo Keakabetse, expressed gratitude to those who came on board to support the programme, describing their involvement as a demonstration of strong community spirit.
Coach Mpho Kelosiwang, in an interview explained that the programme came into being April last year, to serve children in Maruapula, because of its proximity to the local golf course.
Initially, 76 boys and girls enrolled, but the number dropped to 40.
Kelosiwang said the programme was at some point temporarily interrupted because children had difficulties making it to the golf course, but the matter was resolved last November after a Good Samaritan provided transportation, allowing the children to continue their lessons.
Currently, 25 children attend training sessions twice a week, with three of the most promising performers receiving specialised training schedules.
Although the exact details of BONA Life’s sponsorship have not been disclosed, Kelosiwang mentioned that the company had received a request for support.
The five-year programme, operated by four coaches, is estimated to require around P450 000 annually.
Looking ahead, Kelosiwang spoke about plans to integrate tutoring into the programme next year, with the long-term goal of nurturing players capable of representing the country at national level. 

The high-speed world of motorsport returns to Lobatse on December 13 as Botswana Racewars stages an action-packed drag racing showdown dubbed The 2025 Shutdown on the Okavango Road near the Lobatse Sports Complex.

The event follows the successful annual BotsRacewars drag race held in August, hosted by Maverick Motorsport Botswana in collaboration with Rhyno’s Torque Show of South Africa and Skygate Motors. 

Maverick Motorsports event organiser, Tebogo Moori, said the much-anticipated motorsport spectacle would feature a broad lineup of modified cars and top-tier drivers competing over a 500-metre stretch. 

Vehicles expected on the track include high-performance models such as the Mercedes-AMG, Audi RS3/RS5, BMW M5 and Porsche 911.

He noted that the 2024 defending champion, BMW Dracular 2.2, a Motswana driver, who did not race in August, is set to return to the strip this weekend.

According to Moori, participation had been overwhelming, with 15 local drivers, 10 from South Africa, four from Lesotho, two from Zimbabwe, and one from Namibia confirming attendance. 

Motorsport enthusiasts will also enjoy quad bike demonstrations and other entertainment segments.

Although the reigning champion Audi TT RS, renowned for its legendary 5-cylinder engine will not compete, South African driver Bongani Ntila is expected to participate in a different vehicle model.

In a move to support local talent, organisers have introduced Sejana sa Toropo, an award aimed at honouring the fastest Lobatse drivers as part of efforts to nurture grassroots motorsport skills.

The race will run from 10am  until 7pm , followed by an after-party at Thema Motswedi Park.

Among dignitaries expected to attend are Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, Kgosi Khama IV of Bangwato, world-leading athletics sensation, Collen Kebinatshipi, Lobatse mayor Aron Ganakgomo, Lobatse MP Kamal Jacobs, Lobatse Town Clerk, Lenamile Taolo and Lobatse district commissioner, Mpho Mathe.

“This time around we have managed to increase parking space to ensure better crowd control,”  Moori said.