16 May 2018

The emergence of Bernard Olesitse is slowly cementing and positioning Botswana as a 400 metres hub in Africa.

Olesitse recently competed at the International School Sports Federation competitions in Marrakesh Morocco, where he stopped the clock in a Personal Best of 47.54 to win the 400 metres ahead of Sheng Luo of China who settled for position two with a time of 48.96.

Born 17 years ago in Molapowabojwang, like a confused young boy, he started doubling football and athletics at a very tender age at primary school, and he never thought that it would be athletics that will supersede his love for football.

The Form Three student at Chichi Junior School was however given strong instruction by his teacher, Ditiro Dithakgwe to concentrate on athletics, and dump football as it will be difficult for him to double the two demanding codes.

As a young boy, he did not understand why his teacher wanted to choose a career path for him because some of the Botswana football players like Diphetogo Selolwane, Kabelo Dambe and Mogakolodi Ngele have made it in life through football.

Little did he know that Dithakgwe wanted big things for him. However, when he made athletics his real home, he competed in 800 metres, 400 metres and 200 metres, and it was the same teacher who told him that they will now concentrate on the 400 metres dash only.

Things began to take shape for Olesitse as he made it intoTeam Botswana that represented the country at the Bahamas Commonwealth Youth Games and the IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi last year although he did not make it to the podium finish.

“I think I was not ready for the international arena. In a nutshell, I had stage fright but the coaches managed to identify that gap and they made sure they work with me in that area, and I think so far so good,” he said

His scintillating performance in Morocco is a clear indication that he is now polished to face the world in major competitions.

Olesitse is expected to lead team Botswana that will be competing in 2018 Algiers African Youth Games, IAAF World U20 Championships Tampere 2018, and the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games.

He, however, said he would take each competition as it comes. Olesitse, who said his role model is Baboloki Thebe, said he wants to take his career to a greater height because he is aware that sport has evolved as it can create employment. ENDS