Camp takes swimmers through the drill
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday October 6, 2025 06:00
The project is a Botswana Swimming Sport Association’s (BSSA) initiative sponsored by Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB). It is part of the BSSA's efforts to develop young swimmers and has often been supported by DTCB.
The company provides financial and other support for the swimming body's efforts to develop Botswana's young swimming talent, including through camps and participation in regional and international competitions.
Speaking to MmegiSport, BSSA vice president-technical, Onkemetse Solomon Mpusetsang, said the camp was a success as there was a huge turnout.
“We managed to collect data through a test set, which will inform us on how much the kids have improved or where they are lacking. Despite that, there were about two swimmers from Francistown who did not attend the camp due to examinations, whilst some were on and off,” he said.
The VP revealed the project supports swimmers in regional and international events, and the BSSA uses the initiative, like development camps, to refine the skills of young swimmers aiming to polish Botswana’s future swimming stars.
Mpusetsang was the camp coordinator, whilst Colter Carman was the facilitator.
Another coach who was part of the camp, Gondo Gondo, said the programme first of its kind under the DTCB Future Stars Project. He added the holiday camp brought together coaches who have swimmers who are part of the programme.
“This allowed coaches to meet and discuss their shared vision for the future of Botswana swimming through the eyes of the coaches. The swimmers trained in a relaxed and conducive atmosphere.
“This allowed them to build a bond and chemistry that is needed when building a team of future national elite swimmers. It is a welcome initiative from the BSSA executive committee, with special mention to DTCB for creating such a platform,” Gondo said.
He said as Botswana prepares to host the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Championships in Gaborone next year, such camps will play a pivotal role in preparing the best possible team to represent the country.
DTCB sponsors the BSSA with P3 million following a three-year partnership announced in July 2024 to support youth swimming development.
The sponsorship funds the association’s Long Term Development Programme (LTDP), providing resources for junior and senior swimmers, coach training, and international high-performance training.
The partnership supports two groups, the development squad (ages 12-15) and the senior squad. It also includes funds for local coaches to gain new learning through high-performance training, such as recent sessions with renowned coach Rocco Meiring.
Some of the swimmers in the Future Stars project are Ahanna Sohoni, Maeva Morebodi, Matipaishe Gondo, Jade Chilisa, Botlhe Machona, Faith Mokgosi, Wapego Nthoiwa, Leruo Bakwena, Thabang Seetso, Nathan Seetso, Benco Van Rooyen, Yusuf Gamroudi, and Kimberly Ingwe.