21 Feb 2024

The late former Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) administrator Moses ‘Paceman’ Raphutshe has been described as a workaholic who was dedicated to the sport.

Speaking at a memorial service, which was held at the National Stadium on Tuesday, BAA president, Moses Bantsi said Raphutshe had worked and volunteered for the nation relentlessly.

He said it was therefore important to thank Raphutshe’s family to have allowed him to work for the nation.

“Personally, I enjoyed working with Raphutshe, in fact he is one of the people who persuaded me to once again contest for the BAA presidency,” he said.

Former athlete Bobby Gaseitsiwe said Raphutshe during his days, was a smooth runner with good strides.

He said after hanging their spikes, he then worked with Raphutshe when he (Gaseitsiwe) was working for the BAA as a development officer.

“Paceman was very supportive in my quest to equip teachers with athletics development skills from the grassroots,” he said.

Gaseitsiwe said Raphutshe was a straight talker who never minced words, as he would speak his mind without hesitation.

He said Raphutshe loved athletics and athletes, adding that when appointed a team manager, there was always confidence that he would deliver his mandate.  

Athlete Commission representative, Gaone ‘Lux’ Maotoanong said during his athletics days he travelled a lot with Raphutshe as he was appointed team manager on several occasions. 

“During our travels, he would behave like us, but when the need arose for him to relay serious information we would know that he meant business,” Maotoanong said.

He said Raphutshe gave athletes fatherly love, adding that what they also admired about him was that he was always neat. Ends