21 Oct 2026

Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) has announced the national squad that will represent the country at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

The games, which marks the maiden Olympic event staged on African soil, will be held in Senegal from October 31 to November 13.

Team Botswana comprises six elite youth athletes competing across four sporting codes: athletics, boxing, judo and swimming. The athletics team has Mpho Maano, who will compete in the 800 metres race, alongside track counterpart Geza Reinioud who will compete in 400 metres.

In the boxing ring, Botswana will be represented by Precious Masaba, who will compete in the 51kg category.

Theresa Tagariga will represent the nation in judo, while Melody Saleshando and Tema Modirelabangwe will represent the country in swimming.

Speaking at the team’s announcement, BNOC president, Tshepo Sitale said the young athletes were not heading to West Africa to participate, but to compete.

He said BNOC was proud that four of the six athletes in team Botswana were females.

“I am particularly proud to highlight the strong female representation in this squad; with female athletes making up 66 per cent of our competing panel. Team Botswana stands as a shining beacon of gender equity, talent development, and inclusivity in sport,” he said.

Team Botswana chef de mission, Lechedzani Master Luza said preparations were ongoing, adding that all athletes continued to prepare under the guidance of their coaches. 

He said their focus was on improving performance, gaining invaluable competition experience and ensuring peak readiness for the Games.

Luza said beyond technical and physical preparedness, the team would also participate in dedicated educational workshops covering Olympic values, anti-doping, competition manipulation, media training and safeguarding.

The sessions, he said would reinforce the importance of competing with integrity, respecting the rules, protecting athlete’s welfare and representing Botswana with dignity.

“As we prepare for the Games, we want our athletes to embody the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship. We want them to strive to perform at their best while respecting their opponents, the rules and officials, and building positive relationships through sport,” he said. ENDS