Despite financial struggles within the sporting fraternity, 2024 proved that with the right resources, Botswana has the talent and resilience to achieve world-class results. From the Paris Olympics to historic milestones in athletics, football, and motorsports, Botswana’s athletes made the nation proud on the global stage. Here are some standout moments that made this year unforgettable.
Athletics Shines Across Africa
Athletics continued to dominate as Botswana’s leading sport, with stellar performances at the Africa Senior Championships, Africa Games, World Athletics Relays, and the Olympics. At the Africa Senior Championships, Botswana claimed six medals, including silver for Victor Ntweng, the men’s 4x400m relay team, Lee Eppie, Kemorena Tisang, and Ketlhobile Hanguira, along with a bronze in the 400m mixed relay. The Africa Games followed with Team Botswana adding three silver and three bronze medals to their tally.
Golden Victory at the World Athletics Relays
History was made at the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas when Botswana clinched its first-ever gold medal. The quartet of Collen Kebinatshipi, Leungo Scotch, Bayapo Ndori, and Letsile Tebogo delivered a breathtaking performance, cementing Botswana’s place on the global athletics stage.
Tebogo’s Golden Moment
Letsile Tebogo emerged as Botswana’s brightest star, winning the nation’s first Olympic gold medal in the 200m at the Paris Games with a record-breaking time of 19.46 seconds. His stunning victory over favorite Noah Lyles was the highlight of the Olympics. Tebogo also finished sixth in the 100m final and helped secure silver in the men’s 4x400m relay. Beyond the Olympics, Tebogo excelled in the Diamond League, finishing second overall, and received accolades such as Male Track Athlete of the Year and Men’s World Athlete of the Year from World Athletics.
Olympic Celebrations
Botswana’s Olympic heroes were welcomed home with nationwide celebrations. The streets of Gaborone were filled with fans in blue, black, and white, while the National Stadium overflowed with supporters honoring the team. The government even declared a half-day holiday to commemorate their achievements.
The Zebras’ Historic AFCON Qualification
Botswana’s senior national football team, The Zebras, qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time since 2012. After early losses to Mauritania and Egypt, the team rallied with two consecutive wins over Cape Verde. A draw against Mauritania and a hard-fought 1-1 result in Egypt sealed their qualification, ending a 12-year drought.
Leadership Changes at the BFA
After eight years under Maclean Letshwiti, the Botswana Football Association welcomed Tariq Babitseng as its new president. Babitseng’s leadership marks a new era for football in Botswana, with hopes for further development in the sport.
FNBB’s Game-Changing Sponsorship
First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) provided a much-needed lifeline to Botswana’s football leagues with a P28.5 million investment in the Botswana Premier League. The sponsorship includes P9.5 million per season and P1.4 million in prize money for the league champions. FNBB also pledged P13.5 million to support The Mares, Botswana’s women’s national football team, over the next three years.
Ross Branch’s Motorsports Glory
Motorsports star Ross Branch had a phenomenal year, earning the Hero of the Year accolade from the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). Known as the “Kalahari Ferrari,” Branch won the 2024 World Rally Raid Championships and finished second overall at the Dakar Rally, where he claimed two stage wins.
The year 2024 showcased Botswana’s potential to shine on the global stage when provided with adequate resources. From groundbreaking achievements in athletics and football to motorsports glory, Botswana’s athletes proved that determination and talent can overcome any challenge. With these triumphs, the nation can look forward to even greater sporting success in the years to come.
