16 Mar 2026

Vunani Annual Botswana Women Sports Awards has announced the fourth edition nominees ahead of its awards ceremony scheduled for March 27.

Speaking at nominee’s announcement event recently, Ministry of Sport and Arts  deputy permanent secretary, Boineelo Hardy said the announcement was more than just the revealing of nominees.

She said it represents recognition, inspiration and progress for women in sport in Botswana.

Female athletes, administrators, coaches and volunteers, she said continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes and inspire the next generation to believe that their dreams in sport are valid and achievable. She said the Ministry of Sport and Arts remains fully committed to the development and empowerment of women and girls in sport.

“Platforms such as these awards are critical because they highlight excellence, celebrate dedication and encourage greater participation of women at all levels of sport,” she said. Co-Founder and Organiser of the Vunani Annual Botswana Women Sports Awards Portia Olopeng- Mlilo said when they established the Vunani Annual Botswana Women Sports Awards, their goal was clear to recognise, celebrate and elevate the achievements of women in sport.

For many years, she said women had contributed immensely to the growth of sport in the country, as athletes, administrators, coaches, officials and media professionals.

She said the awards exist to ensure that their dedication and excellence do not go unnoticed, adding that the platform was not just about trophies and recognition. She said it was about telling the stories of resilience, determination and success that inspire young girls across Botswana to believe that they too belong in sport.

 

The fourth edition categories and nominees are:

Sportswoman of the Year; Oratile Nowe - Athletics, Sethunya Buhle Majama - Athletics, Natalie Katlo Banda - Chess. Young Promising Athlete; Pine Moresele - Judo, Nalamalpu Saishanvi Reddy   Chess, Same Mhutsiwa - Athletics. Sportswoman of the Year with Disability; Boitshepo Disele   Paralympics, Omphile Bothasitse   Tennis, Tlamelo Mogomotsi   Special Olympics. Coach of the Year; Grace Mmolai  Boxing, Kebafhore Gakekgonwe   Paralympics, Bonang Otlhagile-Mosetha   Football. Umpire of the Year; Gaone Poane   Tennis, Naledi Chabe   Rugby, Ritalh Nthaga   Table Tennis. Administrator of the Year; Sharon Keakae  - Special Olympics, Daphne Rakobe - Basketball, and Game Mompe - Cycling. HeForShe Champion; Molefhi Obenne - Sports Administrator, Chilume Ntshwarang - Athletics. Team of the Year; Karate, Badminton, Tennis. Volunteer of the Year; Goseng Nkwe, Gorata Kokole. Champion for Equality; Absa Botswana, Choppies, and First National Bank Botswana. ENDS