03 Aug 2026

Botswana U20 team heads to Oregon with ambition and a full squad, aiming to turn speed into silverware at the World Athletics U20 Championships set for August 05 to 9 at historic Hayward Field.

The country has sent an 11-member junior team to the United States, a team that carries both the consistency of a strong domestic season and the pedigree of Botswana’s proud sprinting tradition.

Leading the charge are rising stars Same Mhutsiwa, Wazha Matakule and Jack Newman. All three impressed on the local circuit to earn their places on the global stage.

For the young athletes, the path echoes that of Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, who used back-to-back World U20 titles to launch himself into sprinting prominence.

Head Coach Keita Manyapedza said the team arrived in high spirits and with a sharp focus. 

“We are ready to rumble. Our ultimate target for this five-day tournament is two medals,”  Manyapedza said.

Given Botswana’s historical dominance in the sprints and the current form of its relay pools, officials believe the goal is well within reach.

The camp’s only worry is Junior Phatshima, who is nursing a nagging injury. Manyapedza said medical staff are assessing Phatshima and a decision on whether he will line up in the 200m and 400m will be made closer to race day.

Even with Phatshima’s status uncertain, the team is refusing to lower expectations.

The Botswana team include: Same Mhutsiwa who will compete in both 100m, 200m, Jack Newman for  200m, Junior Phatshima will go for 200m and 400m, Wazha Matakule will run the 100m, 200m  while Tsaone Dintwa will compete in 400m and Lucky Chivero, Tshepo Nyaladzi and Kopano Mpitsang for the 4x100m relay. ENDS