04 Mar 2024

Despite sending few sporting code to the 13^th edition of the African Games than the previous years, the caliber of athletes in the team will get a podium position.

The team that will represent the country in Accra, Ghana from March 8- 23 is made up of 88 delegates of which, 54 are athletes and 34 officials. 

The team comprises of athletes from athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, judo, swimming, taekwondo, tennis and weightlifting.

Speaking at the team’s sendoff ceremony in Gaborone on Sunday, Ministry of Youth, Sport, Gender and Culture permanent secretary, Tshepo Mophuting said at the games’ last edition held in Rabat, Morocco in 2019, the country was represented by 11 codes compared to the current nine.

“At the last edition held in Rabat, Morocco in 2019, the Blue, White and Black Team came back with 14 medals; five gold, three silver and six bronze,” he said.

He said Botswana’s first participation at the games was in 1991 in Cairo, Egypt adding that over the years, the games had unearthed the country’s finest talent.

The likes of Amantle Montsho, Isaac Makwala, Kabelo Kgosiemang and many others, he said were among the past gold medal winners at the games.

Mophuthing said the African Games served as preparatory and qualifying meet for the Paris Olympic Games slated for July this year, adding that some team members had already qualified for the Olympics.

For some athletes and officials, he said the African Games, formerly known as All African Games, served as a gentle introduction to high level continental and international competitions.

Mophuting said the games provided a platform for multi-sport competition as well as cultural exchange for participants.

He said the organisers and previous host countries had ensured that they lived up to the highest standards by showcasing quality athletes and officials.

He encouraged athletes to extend the bonds of friendship to their teammates as the games were a great opportunity to familiarise themselves with the diverse characters and cultures of the continent and to equally forge deep and endure friendship beyond sports.

He reminded the team that the national flag handed to them was confirmation from government that they were a true representative of Botswana.

Mophuting said the gesture symbolised responsibility to represent the nation well. ENDS