Dipeba lauds Nijel Amos

Botswana’s most decorated athletics coach, Justice Dipeba, has described Nijel Amos’s appointment as the new middle-distance coach for the Iran national team as a proud and defining moment for Botswana sport.The appointment, which comes shortly after Amos completed a World Athletics Level One coaching course in Zimbabwe, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the 2012 800m Olympic silver medallist, shifting from the tracks to the technical benches of global athletics at age 32.Speaking in an interview, Dipeba hailed Amos’ move as a positive step for Botswana’s athletics fraternity and a model example for retired athletes who wish to remain active in the sport beyond their competitive years.“I think it is a great opportunity for athletes like Nijel Amos who want to continue their careers on the other side in terms of coaching,” Dipeba said. “It also opens up opportunities for others like Isaac Makwala, Amantle Montsho and many more who will want to venture into coaching when they are done competing. I believe Nijel is going there to represent us well, and we will see results coming from that. Those results will reflect positively on the young coaches who are going to emerge from this country. We are very happy and excited for him.”Amos’ appointment comes at a time when he has been rebuilding his public and professional life following a turbulent end to his competitive career.The Marobela born rose to fame at just 18 years old when he won Botswana’s first Olympic medal, a silver in the men’s 800 metres at the 2012 London Olympic Games.His time of 1:41.73 seconds not only made him an Olympic medallist but also a world junior record holder, etching his name among the fastest 800m runners in history. Over the years, he went on to win gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the 2015 All-Africa Games, and several African Championships, while also dominating Diamond League meets around the world.In 2023, Amos was handed a two-year suspension after testing positive for a banned substance, a development that temporarily derailed his athletic career. Despite the challenges, the former prodigy has turned the page, shifting focus to coaching, a move that has been met with support and optimism from Botswana’s athletics community.For Dipeba, who has long been a pillar of Botswana athletics, Amos’ transition into coaching represents the evolution of a system he himself helped build.A former sprinter who represented Botswana at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games in the 200m and 4x400m relay, Dipebe retired from competition in 2003 and seamlessly transitioned into coaching.Over the past two decades, he has become a cornerstone of Botswana athletics success story, guiding some of the country’s finest athletes to international acclaim.Among his protégés are Isaac Makwala, Amantle Montsho, Christine Botlogetswe, and Baboloki Thebe, names that have dominated continental and global tracks.Under his tutelage, Makwala became one of Africa’s fastest 400m runners, clocking 43.72 seconds to set an African record and winning multiple medals on the world stage.Dipeba’s influence has gone beyond medals. He has built a network of international connections through his time coaching in South Africa and working with global athletics institutions, an experience he believes Amos will benefit from as he embarks on his coaching journey in Iran.“He has a good network around the world, in South Africa, the USA and elsewhere, that will help him handle his new role,” Dipeba noted.“We as coaches here are ready to help whenever he needs advice. We are just a phone call away.”Amos’ decision to move to Iran is expected to bring a new dimension to the country’s athletics program, particularly in the middle-distance categories, where African expertise has long been admired.His contract details remain undisclosed, but the athlete-turned-coach has reportedly expressed his intention to settle in Iran for an extended period as he focuses on nurturing a new generation of runners.“It is a proud moment for all of us,” Dipeba said.“When one of our own gets such an opportunity, it means Botswana is recognized not only for its athletes but also for its knowledge and technical expertise. Amos has always been determined, and I believe he will make a great coach. He will inspire others to prepare themselves for life after competition.”

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Dipeba lauds Nijel Amos