BNSC awards 12 scholarships to athletes
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday September 15, 2025 06:36
The recipients will embark on their academic journey overseas, whilst others will be assisted with funds to access training facilities and purchase equipment. One of the beneficiaries is rising chess star, Woman Candidate Master (WFM), Natalie Banda who has been awarded the Elite Scholarship, marking a major milestone in her sporting journey.
Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) spokesperson, Goitsemodimo Makgatle, said the scholarship recognises exceptional talent and is aimed at supporting high-performing athletes with the potential to excel on the international stage.
“Banda has consistently demonstrated discipline, passion and excellence both on and off the chessboard. Her commitment has earned her not just medals, but also the respect of the local chess community,” Makgatle explained.
Banda’s achievement brings the total number of chess elite scholars to five after Besa Masaiti, Naledi Marape, Refilwe Gabatshware-Pitso and Arona Moshoboro.
Makgatle said through the scholarship, Banda will have access to greater opportunities for training, development, and exposure, paving the way for her to represent Botswana with pride in upcoming international competitions.
Banda has been admitted to St Loius University in the United States of America (USA) and will study Biochemistry from January 2026.
Karate has received three Elite Scholarships for Louis Chengeta (Aston University, UK), Prince Ngwako (Edith Cowan University, Australia) and Daniel Bofelo (Edith Cowan University, Australia).
Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) president, Mpho Bakwadi, said that being awarded scholarships, the students will have opportunities to train and study in world-class environments.
“This is a major milestone for karate, our students will train in internationally recognised high-performance centres that will expose them to advanced coaching, cutting-edge methodologies, and consistent competition against some of the best karatekas globally,” Bakwadi said.
“This will significantly raise their technical, tactical, and physical standards. Such opportunities provide our athletes with a clear pathway to elite performance levels, positioning them to compete credibly at continental and global championships, including the African Championships, World Karate Federation (WKF) events, and potentially the Olympic Games,” he added.
Bakwadi said upon completion of their studies, the beneficiaries will return with enriched knowledge, discipline, and professionalism, which will benefit Botswana karate as a whole.
He said athletes who excel abroad under an Elite Scholarship will become strong ambassadors for Botswana.
Bakwadi also mentioned that the BNSC’s investment in Elite Scholarship will not only uplift individual athletes.
He added it will also transform the overall landscape of Botswana karate, aligning it with global standards and ensuring the sport’s future growth and competitiveness.
Tennis has been awarded two Elite scholarships to Mark Nawa (Auburn University, USA) and Chelsea Chakanyuka (Hampton University, USA).
Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) president, Oaitse Thipe, said the scholarships mean a lot to the association and they put a lot of work to getting the players to secure places to play for the universities.
Three recipients from athletics Sethunya Majama, Ludo Mbekwa, and Same Mohutsiwa have been awarded Zebra Fund whilst Tumelo Ratlhogo and Obakeng Kamberuka have benefited from Elite Scholarship too.
Other beneficiaries are Neo Nogampe (judo), Shannon Matsila (softball), who will study at Edith Cowan University, and Gaamangwe Keitsile (swimming) who will jet off to Campbellsville University in the USA.