26 Jun 2016

Just 12 hours after being crowned the new 400m Africa champion, Baboloki Thebe scooped junior sportsman of the year at the inaugural African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region V awards that were held at Birchwood Estate in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Thebe was pitted against other Africa's finest athletes such as Namibian, Tristan de Lange of cycling, and Zimbabwean, Kyle Hinde of rowing in the category.

The good news arrived while Thebe was focusing on representing the country in the 4x400 mens relay in the 20th Confederation of African Athletics Senior Championship held in Durban. 

He said in an interview that he was speechless and the honour meant a lot to him, adding that he was not expecting it given that his mind was on the championships.

“To be honest, I am very happy and I think, first and foremost I should thank God for  giving me the talent, AUSC for nominating me, my coach, Mogomotsi  Otsetswe, teammates and all Batswana who had been very supportive. The award is for all of them,” he said.

Thebe further said there was no doubt that the award would motivate him to even do better considering that not only Batswana were following his performance.

He said his weekend performance was a clear indication  that good performance would always be recognised.

Also, Botswana continued to shine at the awards as swimmer ,Naomi Ruele won the junior sportswoman of the year beating Zimbabwean, motor racer Tanyaradzwa Muzinda and South African swimmer, Erin Gallagher

Meanwhile, Botswana’s 4x 400m men's relay team which was nominated in the sport team of the year category failed to clinch the award which went to South Africa's Rugby Sevens.

International Working Group on Women and Sport, secretary general, Game Mothibi said the awards meant that Africa celebrated Botswana's achievement

“Honestly, it was an amazing moment and everyone celebrated the two awards. We had Batswana from the consulate here in South Africa, Botswana National Sport Commision, chairperson Solly Reikeletseng and Thato Kgosimore,” she said.

She said the awards were a clear indication  that Botswana had a great talent. 

According to AUSC website the awards were made up of 11 categories to recognise athletes, coaches, member countries, journalists and teams that had produced outstanding performances in sport at regional and international level. Ends