Nigeria, South Africa, six others confirm participation for Botswana Relays
Eight countries including Nigeria, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Poland have confirmed participation at the World Athletics Relays slated for May 2nd and 3rd, promising a strong and
- By Tunde Liadi
Eight countries including Nigeria, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Poland have confirmed participation at the World Athletics Relays slated for May 2nd and 3rd, promising a strong and diverse field.
Botswana is intensifying preparations for a packed athletics calendar, with both the National Stadium Gaborone and University of Botswana Stadium set to host the Lefika International Relays on March 28 as a dress rehearsal for the world event.
The venues are also being readied for the World Athletics Relays scheduled for May 2–3, pending final certification from World Athletics.
Chief executive officer Moses Bantsi described the Lefika Relays as a vital test event during a press briefing organised by the Lefika Athletics Club.
The event will serve as a dry run to evaluate logistics, facilities, and operational readiness.
Organisers formalised their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Lefika Relays and the Gaborone 2026 World Relays team.
Another agreement has also been secured with the Botswana Golden Grand Prix scheduled for April 26, ensuring a structured build-up to the global event.
Despite the progress, Lefika Athletics Club chairperson Thari Mooketsi acknowledged financial challenges due to limited sponsorship but remained optimistic about delivering a successful competition.
Acting vice president of the Botswana Athletics Association, Oabona Theetso, emphasised the event’s importance as both a competitive platform and a qualification opportunity, with the World Relays qualification window closing at the end of March.
