Athletes Revolt Ahead of World Relays
Tensions continue to simmer within Botswana’s athletics camp in Lethakane ahead of the World Relays, with athletes raising serious concerns over allowances and incentives, and at one point threatening to withdraw from camp.
Information gathered by this publication from a source close to the developments indicates that dissatisfaction has been building over what athletes describe as inadequate financial support despite the magnitude of the event and the level of sponsorship involved. “The frustration is real in camp. The athletes feel overlooked and underappreciated,” the source said.
Under the current arrangement, camp allowances are being funded by the sponsor, Lucara at a rate of USD 50 per day from 12 April to 3 May 2026, an improvement from previous structures where the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) provided P50 per day for camp and USD 30 during competitions. Payments were reportedly made last week, with athletes receiving approximately P14,850 each.
However, the main point of contention is the absence of qualification incentives. Athletes were informed that because Botswana is participating as the host nation through a wildcard entry, they do not qualify for the usual
P20,000 qualification incentive. This explanation has not gone down well with athletes, who argue that their effort and preparation remain unchanged regardless of the qualification route.
The situation is further complicated by the presence of major sponsors such as Debswana and Stanbic Bank, whose combined sponsorship is in the region of P21 million. Athletes had reportedly proposed that a portion of these funds be allocated directly to them as incentives, but this suggestion was dismissed.
In a letter seen by this publication, athletes formally expressed their dissatisfaction, stating: “We want to formally express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the current incentive structure provided to athletes in camp, following your response that ‘there is no money and that the LOC money is not ours.”
The letter further highlights the financial strain athletes are facing, noting: “The cost of everything has increased significantly due to inflation. Training, nutrition, recovery, transport, and general upkeep are now far more expensive than in previous years. Hence the allowances they currently receive are no longer realistic and do not cover basic preparation costs.
Athletes also raised concerns about the impact of the host wildcard entry on their earnings, stating: “For those of us who consistently qualify on merit, this removes the qualification incentives we usually rely on. For us, the wild card results in a direct financial loss, not a gain.”
They questioned the broader benefit of hosting the event, adding: “We are proud to represent the nation, especially as hosts. However, we must ask, what is the benefit of hosting if it disadvantages us, the main athletes?”
According to the source, athletes initially agreed to withdraw from camp on 22 April 2026 before being called into a meeting with officials. During the engagement, they agreed to remain in camp temporarily while seeking further dialogue, including a request to meet with the BAA Acting Vice President, Oabona Theetso and the Minister of Sport And Arts (MOSA), Jacob Kelebeng.
“They don’t want to leave camp, they want to compete, but they also want answers. That’s why they pushed for higher-level intervention,” the source said.
The situation has now taken a more urgent turn, as athletes are expected to depart Lethakane on Thursday for the continuation of the camp in Gaborone. However, the source revealed that a number of athletes have threatened not to travel under the current conditions and are also refusing to sign the ultimatum presented to them.
“They are saying they won’t travel to Gaborone and they won’t sign that form unless their concerns are addressed,” the source said, adding that this could significantly disrupt preparations if not resolved swiftly.
It is further understood that athletes were presented with a form requiring them to either commit to camp under current conditions or formally withdraw, with the latter option reportedly carrying serious consequences, including
exclusion from upcoming competitions such as the African Championships and Commonwealth Games qualifiers.
When contacted for comment, Acting President of the Botswana Athletics Association, Oabona Theetso, said he was not aware of the matter.
“I am not aware of that. This is new information to me,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sports Development Manager at the BAA, Patrick Moesi, could not be reached for comment as his phone did not go through. Questions sent to him via WhatsApp had not been responded to by press time.