12 Jul 2023

North West District councillors have unanimously adopted a motion requesting the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture to rename Maun Sports Complex Amantle Montsho Sports Complex in a bid to celebrate and honour her contribution to sports development.

Born and raised in Maun 40 years ago, Montsho is a female sprinter who specialised in the 400 metres race.

She represented the country at the 2004 and 2008 summer Olympics, reaching the finals at the latter edition.

 The councillors submitted that Montsho deserved to be honoured as she had represented Botswana well regionally and internationally, making a name for herself in the process.

 They appreciated that she was the first female woman to hoist the country’s flag high at several international stages.

The mover of the motion, Councillor Itumeleng Kelebetseng of Boseja South noted that Montsho was considered one of the pioneers of athletics in the country, adding that she was the first female to represent Botswana at the 2004 and 2008 summer Olympics Games and reached the final towards the end.

In addition, he said the quarter miler also competed in the World Championships as well as IAAF World Indoor Championship.

“Amantle is recognised globally as she had made waves in her athletics career and won medals,” noted Kelebetseng.

He said Montsho was not stagnant in her journey as she kept on improving and became the fastest women and the reigning world champion for the 400 metres at some point.

Although he acknowledged that currently the stadium was not in a good condition, he believed that was not supposed to stop it from being rename Montsho.

Kelebetseng was optimistic that since Maun had been earmarked as one of potential hosts the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the facility would be renovated.

Councillor Petrus Tjetjoo of Kareng/Sehithwa supported the motion, saying it was important to recognise contributions made by the heroes and heroines of Botswana while they were still alive.

Naming a facility of that magnitude a Amantle Montsho, he said, was a welcome development as she had played a key role towards sport growth and development.

“Montsho is an outstanding national sports personality who is also well known internationally and she deserves a historic remembrance, hence I support the motion,” said Tjetjoo.

Her contribution to athletics, he said, was unmatched and deserved to be rewarded for her contribution.

Montsho retired from professional athletics in 2021.  ENDS