Track mess leads to Golden Prix downgrade
Mqondisi Dube | Monday August 11, 2025 10:13
Delayed stadium renovations have cost the organisers of the top-tier race, after works were done late. The National Stadium was closed last year December to enable works on the track and other upgrades in preparation for the showpiece.
The initial work was estimated at P7 million, but the final cost was at P16 million.
The delayed renovations have now come at a huge cost as the event has been downgraded to silver status. Event organiser, Glody Dube was not available for comment, but told state broadcaster, Botswana Television that missed deadlines were behind the downgrade.
'They indicated that certain deadlines were no meet, the track lines, right up to before the event, were not marked. In short, that's not meeting deadline,' he said.
But Dube said the downgrade will not have a significant impact.
'You will remember that these events come with points and prize money. That is what will be affected, the prize money will be reduced but the calibre of athletes, we are still going to get the same. The organisation will still be the same. In fact, there is not much that has changed, even recognition,' Dube said.
'We are happy with where we are. We will work hard to ensure that we get our gold status back. If we don't do that it will mean we might go down to bronze, or even find ourselves out (of the top competitions),' he added.
Dube, through his company, Golden Door Agency built the event from scratch, kicking off as the Gaborone International Meet, attracting regional talent.
In 2023, it was upgraded to bronze status and has grown in stature, attracting top athletics from across the world.