08 Jul 2019

Lion’s Den Athletics Club might be what the doctor prescribed for the growth of Botswana athletics and athletes welfare. 

The club was officially admitted into Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) general assembly recently. 

The club, headquartered at Botswana Police College, aims to arouse interest in athletics amongst members of the Botswana Police Service and promote athletics in general within the dictates of IAAF and BAA rules and regulations.

The other objective is to give young athletes basic skills in athletics and help them to grow as responsible adults who will contribute to the country’s economy.

Some analysts said Lion’s Den will emulate Kenya in the growth of athletics and possibly absorb some athletes into the force. 

In Kenya a number of athletes, 800m Olympic champion and record holder, David Rudisha, 2015 World champion, Ezekiel Cheboi, three-time World half marathon champion, Geoffrey Kamworor, World steeplechase record holder, Beatrice Chepkoech, World 1 500m champion, Elijah Manangoi are police officers.

On July 6, the club elected its leadership which is expected to take athletics to greater heights.

The committee is led by former volleyball player and administrator, Assistant Commissioner Boeletswe Gobotswang.

He will be assisted by Mukani Bulayani, the secretary position went to Khumo Tutuwe assisted by Boitumelo Kgakole, the treasurer went to Omogomang Pinagare, the Lion’s Den manager is Moseki Tshoganetso assisted by Mooketsi Mafora.

Billy Tambula is the public relations officer while Saviomamo Tshube and Gobakwaone Thakotona are additional members. 

Gobotswang thanked members for showing confidence in him by electing him club chairperson.

He said he was also happy that Botswana Police Service had an athletics team that would be able to compete within BAA structures and in other competitions.

“We are very determined as Botswana Police Service to develop this team so that it can reach greater heights. I know there are teams I have seen within the BAA that are doing very well, and let me note that they are our benchmarks,” he said.

Gobotswang said they would work hard to reach those teams level and ultimately surpass.

The chairperson, who is also the founder of Police V1 volleyball team, thanked Commissioner of Police, Keabetswe Makgophe for his support in ensuring that Lion’s Den Athletics Club was part of Botswana Police Service family.  ENDS