Women’s relay team awaits gene test results
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday April 20, 2026 06:00
The new regulations came into effect on September 1, 2025, and were applied during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last year.
All athletes who compete in the women's categories are required to undergo a once-off test for the SRY gene, a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. The tests are conducted via a cheek swab or blood test.
Relays team manager, Moshe Gochela, told MmegiSport that the results are expected in seven days. The women’s team reported for the final training camp, which is being held in Letlhakane, from Tuesday. The men’s team reported to camp, which is sponsored by Lucara Diamond, on Sunday. A total of 32 athletes, together with team officials, are in camp that ends on April 23. The team will relocate to Gaborone for the final stretch of the training camp ahead of the Debswana World Athletics Relays on May 2 and 3 at the National Stadium. Meanwhile, head coach Mogomotsi Otsetswe said the women's team is showing signs of improvement as it prepares for the world competition. In recent years, female athletes have struggled to qualify or perform well at international competitions. Otsetswe told MmegiSport that he is impressed by the performance of the women's team ahead of the competition and believes that they will deliver.
“Women athletes have the potential of running 51 seconds or even 52 seconds. That is a good performance, and they will reach peak at the perfect time. The women are bouncing back strongly,” he said.
“In the past, women athletes, the likes of Amantle Montsho and Christine Botlogetswe, used to qualify for international championships before their male counterparts. But things changed, men are on top. Obakeng Kamberuka is in fine form, and she still can clock 49 seconds, and that will push her teammates,” the coach added.
Otsetswe highlighted that the next few days will be crucial in preparing the team, and they have developed a training programme that will fine-tune the athletes. He noted it was important for Botswana to claim a podium finish during the relays or at least to reach the finals.
He said they do not want a situation where they are reduced to spectators in their own backyard, adding that with the support of the home crowd, they can go far in the competition.
According to the coach, the team is motivated, and BAA has put everything in place to make sure that the athletes are in top shape. Otsetswe noted that the team that has been picked is the best, and the athletes have worked hard to get selected.
The team
Women 4x400m Kamberuka (Season’s Best: 50.97s), Batisani Kennekae (SB: 52.64s), Naledi Monthe (SB:52.82s), Galefele Moroko (53.31s), Karabo Mantswinyane (SB: 53.31s), Lebitso Mokorofu (SB: 53.58s), Golekanye Chikani (SB: 54.83S), and Gaolape Senyame (SB: 55.67s)
Men 4x400m Lee Eppie (SB: 44.53s), Busang Collen Kebinatshipi (SB:44.55s), Bayapo Ndori (SB: 44.62s), Justice Oratile (SB:44.62s), Kabo Rankgwe (SB: 45.52s), Leungo Scotch (SB: 45.53s), Boitumelo Masilo (SB:45.66s), and Seleka Lefatshe (45.67s)
Women 4x100m Boitshepiso Kelapile (SB: 11.69s), Loungo Matlhaku (SB: 11.87s), Nancy Budzani (SB:11.90s), Same Mhutsiwa (SB: 11.92s), Kesego Kgari (SB:11.97s), Katlego Kaisara (SB: 11.99s), Tshegofatso Bojosi (SB: 12.01s), and Lame Kewamodimo (SB: 12.08s)
Men 4x100m Prince Selepe (SB: 10.16s), Kevin Lobatlamang (SB: 10.21s), Letsile Tebogo (SB: 10.22s), Jayson Mandoze (SB: 10.28s), Thuto Masasa (SB: 10.30s), Thapelo Monaiwa (SB: 10.30s), Calvin Bogosi Omphile (SB:10.30s), and Xholani Talane (SB: 10.35s)