The Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) has officially released the list of nominees for the 45th Botswana Sports Awards, highlighting a strong year of sporting excellence across multiple disciplines. Botswana National Sport Commission confirmed that the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) leads the nominations with eight selections, showing the continued dominance of athletics in the country’s sports landscape. Botswana Athletics Association continues to produce top-performing athletes who compete at both national and international levels. The announcement has generated excitement among athletes, coaches, and supporters who view the awards as a key recognition platform for sporting achievement. The nominations reflect consistent performance, discipline, and dedication across various sports codes. The awards also serve as a benchmark for sporting development in Botswana.
The Sportsman of the Year category features three outstanding athletes who have delivered impressive performances in their respective fields. Collen Kebinatshipi from athletics has been nominated after a strong season marked by consistent results and competitive excellence. Goitseone Phoko from football has also earned a place among the finalists following key contributions to his team’s success. Tumiso Phuthego from judo completes the shortlist, bringing recognition to a sport that continues to grow in visibility and competitiveness. These nominations highlight the diversity of talent within Botswana’s sporting environment. Each athlete represents high performance standards and commitment to excellence at elite level.
The Sportswoman of the Year category showcases equally strong contenders from different sporting disciplines. Oratile Nowe from athletics has been nominated for her outstanding performances and continued improvement in competition. Centy Kgosikoma from karate has also been recognised for her discipline, strength, and international representation. Naledi Banda from chess completes the category, reflecting the growing recognition of mind sports in national awards. These nominations demonstrate that success in Botswana sports is not limited to physical disciplines alone. They also show the importance of mental skill, strategy, and consistency in achieving top-level success. The category highlights female athletes who continue to raise the country’s sporting profile.
In the junior categories, rising stars have been acknowledged for their promising performances and future potential. Justice Oratile from athletics, Ntungamili Raguin from tennis, and Edwin Nyoka from bowling have been nominated for Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year. Their inclusion reflects strong youth development systems that are producing competitive athletes across different sports. The Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year category features Same Mhutsiwa from athletics, swimmer Melodi Saleshando, and Neelo Modise from judo. These young athletes have demonstrated exceptional talent and discipline at an early stage in their careers. Their recognition signals a bright future for Botswana sport at international level.
The Team of the Year category highlights collective success and teamwork across different sporting codes. The men’s 4x400m relay team from athletics has been nominated for its strong performances and coordination in competition. The Davis Cup team from tennis has also been recognised for representing Botswana in international team competition. The 4x400m mixed relay team from BOTESSA completes the category, showcasing the strength of school sports development in the country. These nominations reflect the importance of teamwork, strategy, and unity in achieving sporting success. They also demonstrate how collaboration between athletes contributes to national pride and achievement.
The 45th Botswana Sports Awards nominations underline the depth of sporting talent across the country and the continued growth of multiple disciplines. The strong representation by athletics confirms its leading position in Botswana sports, while other codes continue to rise in competitiveness and recognition. The inclusion of junior athletes shows that long-term investment in youth development is producing visible results. The awards also provide motivation for athletes to maintain high performance standards and strive for excellence. As anticipation builds for the final ceremony, the nominations stand as a celebration of dedication, discipline, and national sporting achievement. The event continues to play a key role in recognising and inspiring Botswana’s sporting community.
