26 Apr 2023

It’s all systems go for the much anticipated FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix.

Organisers have indicated that all logistics are in place for the April 29 showdown.

While hosting the international super stars has generated excitement among athletics enthusiasts, preparations too are on point to ensure a successful event.

April 29 will certainly be imprinted in the minds of many as the country will be documented among the nations that have hosted an event of such magnitude.

Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho said  the track repairs were completed.

“We had brought an expert all the way from Germany, from the same company that installed the track and we are happy to have successfully rectified all the issues that were presented as challenges on the track,” he said.

With the repairs, the track has retained its World Athletics certification up to September 2023, while a new certificate would be required afterwards, Serufho held.

Furthermore, he said the track was reaching the end of its lifespan and as such, through the Ministry of Youth, Gender Sport and Culture, they were planning for its replacement.

Head of the technical committee for the grand prix, Justice Dipeba, expressed his satisfaction at the quality of the repairs.

“Our track is generally a fast one and with this year’s event having attracted high caliber athletes, one can only anticipate that very fast times will be run in Gaborone on Saturday,” he said.

One of the interesting contests would be in the men’s 200m where Botswana’s rising star Letsile Tebogo would take on reigning Olympic Champion Andre de Grasse of Canada and another rising star Joseph Fahnbulleh of Liberia, amongst other stars in the line-up.

Only general tickets now remain for the event as both VIP and grand stand are sold out. Tickets can be bought from all Spar and Choppies Stores around the country and on Web tickets. ENDS