24 Feb 2026

In the broader sporting landscape, where national pride and representation remain paramount, a coach stands as a pillar of unity, inspiration and sustainable athletic development.

Coaches play a critical role in creating environments that allow athletes to reach their full potential. Investing in coaching is therefore not only about achieving immediate success, but also about building a legacy that future generations can inherit and strengthen.

Maun-based athletics coach Meleko Ndolo is widely recognised among dedicated mentors working to ensure the sport continues to flourish, aligning with the nation’s sporting ambitions and values. The young and energetic coach completed the World Athletics Level 1 and Level 2 coaching courses in sprints and hurdles in 2018, later advancing his Level 2 certification in 2022. 

Since then, he has continued guiding several athletes to success in continental and global competitions. Ndolo takes pride in contributing to Botswana’s athletics achievements, describing his role in helping top athletes reach international glory as a dream fulfilled. 

Coaching at Maun Track and Field Club, he is known for mentoring notable athletes including Bayapo Ndori, Leungo Scotch, Anthony Pasela and Tshepiso Masalela, among others. He also contributed to Botswana’s successful campaign at the 2021 World Under-20 Championships, where the national team secured three medals including gold and silver. 

In 2025, Ndolo was part of the national team delegation at the World Relays, where Botswana returned home with a medal, and also participated in the World Athletics Championships held in September last year. His long-standing commitment to grassroots development has significantly influenced the sporting landscape in the Ngamiland region and beyond. 

Having developed athletes since 2006, he has helped transform local talent into national and international competitors, continuing his mission to inspire and shape young athletes into champions.

“I always tell people that I am not yet a great coach; I am still learning. I say this not out of doubt but out of professional honesty. Coaching is a discipline that grows with experience, reflection and continuous study,” Ndolo said in an interview.

He emphasised that coaching required immense patience, noting that mentors must nurture athletes, allow them to learn from mistakes and steadily build trust and resilience.

Reflecting on his journey, Ndolo acknowledged that the athletes he had guided have equally shaped his coaching philosophy, teaching him that individuals developed at different paces and that discipline often proved more reliable than raw talent in achieving long-term success.

He further stressed that a coach must remain a lifelong student of sport continuously studying, observing and refining methods because guiding athletes carried the responsibility of constant professional growth. Ndolo explained that his coaching journey began with limited resources but with a firm belief in athletics as a transformative force. 

He worked with athletes from diverse backgrounds: some talented but lacking discipline, others disciplined yet unsure of their abilities, and some who never imagined they could succeed in sport.

“My approach has always centred on commitment, structure, character building and gradual performance development. The early stages were challenging- establishing routines, maintaining attendance, building mental toughness and balancing academics with sport required patience and persistence,” he said.

A teacher by profession, Ndolo noted that while not every training cycle produced immediate results, each contributed to growth in endurance, confidence and discipline. Through this experience, he learnt that coaching extends far beyond techniques and drills , it is fundamentally about mentorship, consistency and trust. In shaping his philosophy, Ndolo draws inspiration from athletes who exemplify dedication and structured development. 

He cited performances from runners such as Victor Ntweng and Ndori as examples of speed combined with technical discipline, while Scotch and Tumo Nkape demonstrate resilience and competitive courage. He also highlighted Thompang Basele for consistency in training.

Ndolo described Masalela as a powerful example of middle-distance excellence built through persistence and tactical intelligence, while Kethobogile Haingura reflects the growing strength and promise of regional athletics development.

“These athletes serve as real examples. I use their journeys to show that high performance is not accidental; it is built through hard work, structured training, disciplined recovery, mental focus and long-term commitment. Their achievements help young athletes understand that progress is possible when effort is sustained,” he said.

Ndolo reaffirmed his commitment to continue grooming grassroots talent into global competitors. BOPA