Hard work lies ahead for Sikwane
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday January 19, 2026 06:00
He is assuming the responsibilities at a time when sport is under scrutiny; from lack of sponsorship, reduced government subversion dilapidated facilities and escalating doping cases, amongst others.
There is also a challenge with rural outreach programmes, and school sport is still inactive in government schools. Botswana Cycling Association president, Kagiso Potongwane, said they expect the new BNSC top man to continue to provide strategic leadership in developing a clear long-term vision for the growth and sustainability of sport at national and international levels.
“There is also a need to improve in terms of administration, so we would like to see improvements in how National Sport Associations (NSAs) are assisted administratively,” Potongwane said when speaking to MmegiSport.
“Other issues, such as School Sport and the new BNSC Act, remain critical to the improvement of sport, and we hope to see the CEO playing a leading role in addressing these.”
Potongwane noted that development remains fundamental to sport programmes.
Hence, he said, they expect the new CEO to come up with better strategies that can assist NSAs to build high-performance and support athlete excellence and grassroots development. “Sport is dynamic, and it is important for Sikwane to have a more focused approach that will address each code’s uniqueness, needs and challenges instead of a blanket approach towards sport development.
“This includes the BNSC funding model.
“We would appreciate it if the CEO looks into this,” Potongwane said.
He said there need for a more engaging and collaborative approach to each NSA, which would be helpful if driven by the CEO in order to appreciate and support each affiliate.
Boxing president, Dirang Thipe, said the new CEO should look deeper into the BNSC funding model, so that it can be amended. “Each CEO comes with his own vision, combined with that of the employer, to achieve the desired goal.
“I believe he will bring a positive energy as we focus on the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games,” Thipe said.
For his part, Volleyball president, George Keotsene, noted that from what he has learnt, Sikwane has a good track record in the field.
“We all know what the challenges are for sport in Botswana, and he will help us navigate them together” Keotsene said.
“We are looking forward to hearing from him what his vision is for Botswana sport, and we are optimistic that he will assist us in moving towards the desired goal.”
Dance Sport president, Abednico Tshambane urged Sikwane to aid the growth of marginalised codes.
'Top of my expectation is for him to bring some improvements to the BNSC. For a very long time, the BNSC has not been doing much to help 'small codes' to grow.
'I expect him to bring life to these so called small codes. Young as he is I believe he still has the energy and enthusiasm to serve Botswana sport. He has held a similar position outside the country and that experience may come in handy,' Tshambane said.