06 Jul 2023

Botswana senior women’s national football team, The Mares,  sprinter Letsile Tebogo and the 4x400 metres men’s relay team are among the 2023 Presidential Order of Meritorious Service recipients.

The sports stars made the list of those who will be recognised on Independence Eve for doing outstandingly in their various codes.  

The sporting fraternity has been raising the country’s flag high in various international meets, a feat worth celebrating.

The Mares’ selection for the Presidential Honour followed their historic maiden qualification for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite falling short in their quest to qualify for the Women’s World Cup, their heroic performance remained fresh in Batswana’s minds having been booted in quarterfinals.

 A series of outstanding sprint performances saw the fastest youngster, Tebogo secure the spotlight at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships.

The 20-year-old did extremely well in the 100m category during the World U20 Championships Oregon22, clocking 9.94 to earn a spot in the semifinals.

He then went to Columbia where he defended his world U20 100m title and also contested for a top spot in the 200m winning a silver medal in Nairobi.

At the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, he became the first athlete from Botswana to win gold in the 100m on a global stage, bagging an extra silver in the 200m.

The 4X400 metres men’s relay team will be remembered for its exploits during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games where they brought home a bronze medal.  ENDS