21 Dec 2022

Botswana’s 100 metres sensation Letsile Tebogo and his coach Kebonyemodisa Mosimanyane have been  recognised as Men’s Prospect Athlete and Best Coach of the Year respectively by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) for their sterling performance this year.

Tebogo was rated number one, followed by Kenyan 800 metres runner Emmanuel Wanyoni, while South African’s Lythe Pillay of 400 metres and Benjamin Richardson of 100 metres and 200 metres were placed third and fourth position respectively.

Mosimanayane also came on top, ahead of Patric Sang, who coaches Faith Kipyegon, with Emmanuel Korir’s coach, Paul Ereng on the third spot.

In an interview, Mosimanyane said they are happy to have been recognised by Africa athletics governing body, adding that it was heartening that it follows  his nominationm by the World Athletics for the rising star category though he did not make the cut.

“Therefore we are seriously motivated because it is a clear indication that we are recognised in Africa, and also acknowledged that we are doing something right,” he said.

Furthermore, Mosimanyane said it showed a lot of growth on his part, adding that in 2019 he won the coach of the year at Botswana Sports Awards.

“I was humbled and viewed it as a major thing for me for being recognised at home.  

Now it has gone to another level, and to be honest that alone will go a long way in motivating me to work even harder,” he said.

The coach said the recognition would also motivate his athletes and it would also instill trust on his coaching tactics, while motivating other coaches in Botswana.

Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) vice president Oabona Theetso said the recognition meant a lot to them as an organisation.

He said the recognition signified growth, adding that they were also happy that Africa and the world were recognising their efforts.

“Remember that Letsile was also a nominee for World Athletics Awards and his coach [being also recognised] was not a surprise package.

He won it home during the sports awards so this to him is just a graduation to a higher level,” he said. Furthermore, he said their recognition would go a long way in the history of Botswana athletics given that it was a recognition for both the coach and his athlete. ENDS