Doping curse strikes again
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday July 11, 2025 11:10
The new Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF) case comes hard on the heels of three others announced in June with two from athletics and one from softball. Botswana has battled to blunt the doping curse as cases continue to be registered across codes, with athletics at the forefront of violations. According to information reaching MmegiSport, the new case involves an athlete (known to this publication) who was due to represent Botswana at the upcoming FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany. “The athlete who has tested positive to a banned substance is a teammate to another athlete who tested positive recently.
The athlete had qualified for FISU Games but has since been removed from the travelling list as the team flies out on Monday,” a source said. The FISU team has seven athletes with Justice Dipeba as the head coach whilst Keorapetse Setlhare is the head of delegation. Contacted for comment, Regional Anti-Doping Manager, Andrew Kamanga told MmegiSport that he was still at the AUSC Region 5 Games in Namibia and was not aware of the case. “I am hearing this for the first time from you, I have not received that report from Botswana,” he said before referring this publication to the National Anti-doping Organisation (NADO) coordinator, Fredrick Seno.
For his part, Seno said he could not comment on the matter as he was still in a meeting. Despite awareness and education, the country has been found on the wrong side of anti-doping regulations, with star athletes, Amantle Montsho, Nijel Amos, and Lydia Jele amongst prominent local sportspersons who have tested positive for banned substances. The escalating cases come amidst calls for decisive action against perpetrators, others who have been pinpointed for their role in influencing athletes.