06 Feb 2022

 A ray of hope beckons for 400 metres runner, Onkabetse Nkobolo, as he starts a six-week rehabilitation programme.

Nkobolo was at the peak of his athletics career when he was injured in a road accident in 2020, an ordeal that kept him away from the track for over two years.

He is set to meet medical pros at the Indian Spinal Cord Centre for the rehabilitation programme.

Giving an update on efforts to assist Nkobolo as well as the trip to India, Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund senior manager, Lydia Masilo-Nkhoma, said they covered his medical bills at both Sidilega and Gaborone private hospitals, after which he was sent to Princess Marina Hospital for further care.

Masilo-Nkhoma indicated that the fund engaged other stakeholders to assist Nkobolo in his recovery journey.

She added that they had been in talks with the South Africa and India for assistance, but eventually chose to take the athlete to India.

“We chose to take him to India because the country has numerous facilities and hospitals which are reasonable in cost. We have visited the centre together with the embassy and we have found it very reliable. The fund and sport bodies will be responsible for all travel and incidental expenses,” she said.

Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) vice chairperson, Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego commended Nkobolo for the positivity he continued to show, despite his painful experience.

“Whatever the future holds, remember that every moment is a new opportunity and beginning and nothing would make us happier than to see you on the track again,” Lebotse-Sebego said.

For his part, Nkobolo appreciated all the support geared towards assisting him.Nkobolo previously represented the country in different platforms where he was able to perform well and bring joy to Batswana, particularly after winning two medals, a gold and a bronze at the 2015 All Africa Games.

He won a gold medal at the 2015 Africa Championships and had also gone as far as qualifying for the finals at the 2016 Rio Olympics Games. ENDS