02 Nov 2026

The government has reaffirmed commitment to elite sport development, by providing modern infrastructure and equipment in Maun so that athletes train safely.

About 80 per cent of athletes in the national team come from Ngamiland, making it important to support talent development by availing necessary facilities and equipment with the goal to groom world-class competitors, Minister of Sports and Arts said.

Jacob Kelebeng remarked during the handing over of specialised gym and athletics equipment donated by Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi of Bafokeng, to the Dose Organisation for Sports Excellence, a Maun-based athletics development organisation that supports athletics clubs in the Ngamiland region.

Led by coach Kebonyemodisa ‘Dose’ Mosimanyane, the organisation helps nurture some of the country’s leading and emerging talent.

The donated equipment that was handed over at Maun Sports Complex on Friday, comprised of indoor bikes, power racks, rowing machines, bumper plates, treadmills, hurdles, and a high jumping area among others.

Kelebeng said Ngamiland region, boasted a wealth of talent in sport performance and development.

He thanked Kgosi Molotlegi and the Bafokeng for the equipment that would help to groom aspiring and emerging athletes not only in Maun but the entire region.

“This is more than a donation, it is testament to our strong friendship, a shared vision and commitment, collaboration and a belief that sport has the potential to transform livelihoods,” he said, adding that sport was a powerful tool for change, community building and economic improvement.

Kelebeng said the donation spoke volumes about the long existing relationship between Botswana and South Africa, particularly the Royal Bafokeng nation who had shown commitment to sport development.

He further thanked Mosimanyane for his contribution toward sport development and commitment to nurture and develop talent in Ngamiland region.

For his part, Kgosi Molotlegi explained that their relationship with Dose organisation stemmed from a strategic partnership in sport development and that he was impressed by Mosimananye’s dedication to sport.

“I invited him together with the Olympics champion, Letsile Tebogo, to learn how he manages to support grassroots development and produce elite champions. I realised that we can work together as we share the same ambition, hence my support to his organisation,” said Kgosi Molotlegi.

He also stated that they had a legal binding agreement with Botswana Athletics Association and Botswana National Sports Commission, to ensure the equipment served its purpose of developing elite athletes.

On behalf of Dose organisation, Tebogo thanked the Royal Bafokeng nation, stating that the community in Maun treasured sports hence believed that the donation would match the organisation’s ambition of producing talented athletes who would excel nationally and internationally.

“As athletes, we are proud that we have a modern equipped space to condition our body and rehabilitate from injuries,” said Tebogo.

Maun North MP, Dumelang Saleshando, concurred that quality sports infrastructure was the backbone of modern athletics.

For athletes to excel, they need to train safely, for weeks and months and without the right equipment, they cannot go far, Saleshando said. ENDS