BNOC sticks to its guns over Nike kit
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday July 31, 2026 10:13
Nike is the new technical partner for the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) whilst Puma has signed a contract with the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA). According to information reaching Mmegi Sport, some key figures within BAA felt the BNOC did not consult them before reaching an agreement with Nike, whilst the BNOC was aware that BAA is sponsored by Puma.
A source said Puma pays incentives for medals won, which means if there is an athlete who wins a medal, they will not receive any payment as they will be wearing a Nike kit. BNOC president, Tshepo Sitale, said the two issues regarding technical sponsors are not interrelated because there is multi-sport and there is a single sport event, and each has its own rules.
Asked about the length of the Nike contract, Sitale only indicated that the kit will be launched when the team returns from the Commonwealth Games. “I can confidently say it is one of the best balanced contracts that benefits athletes, BNOC and development programmes. You ask them if they consulted us before signing with Puma because their contract came first. On a serious note, competition rules are there in black and white on games, be it multi-sport or individual international federations,” Sitale hissed. For his part, BAA acting president, Oabona Theetso, explained that BNOC is a registered entity which is multi-sport based. He said that for BNOC, signing with Nike is not strange. Theetso noted that last time BNOC had signed with an Italian company, Diadora. “Whether they had informed us is immaterial. Look, any BAA affiliate can have a technical sponsor without first seeking permission from us and vice versa,” he said.
“We would have loved that they sign with Puma but them signing with Nike is within their rights.” Meanwhile, BNOC had set a medal target of seven medals at the games, but the team was yet to win one by yesterday afternoon.
Sitale said one does not set targets and change in the middle of an event, adding they will wait and see. It has been a difficult journey for Team Botswana at the Commonwealth, with boxers falling short.
Lethabo Modukanele and Keatlaretse Modise did not progress to the second round.
Treasure Moremi was beaten 5-0 by India’s Sachin Sachin in the quarter-final.
Adrian Robinson made it to the semi-final and set a new national record in the men’s 50m breaststroke. Maxine Egner clocked 27.10s to finish in position 31 out of 69 swimmers in the women’s 50m freestyle. In a shocking turn of events, 400mH national record holder Kemorema Tisang failed to progress to the final, finishing in position four with a time of 50.05s.
Women’s 800m national record holder, Oratile Nowe, powered to the final after clocking 2.00.60 for a third place finish.
Obakeng Kamberuka and Lee Bhekimpilo Eppie ( both 400m) progressed to the final yesterday, while other athletes Kennekae Batisani (400m), Justice Oratile (200m), Prince Selepe (200m) and Ketlhobogile Haingura (800m) were in action later in the day.
The bowls team had it tough, picking up losses in their entire competition. Bowling president, Marea Modutlwa, told MmegiSport that they are not getting the results they have worked for at the Commonwealth Games. “I have seen the commitment and the effort from the team. We trust God’s timing, and we will learn from this. “Right now my job is to stand with the athletes and encourage them, ensure they know we are proud of them for wearing the national colours. We will introspect afterwards and figure out improvements that can be applied in future,” Modutlwa said.
Asked if the association was not planning to arrange having a modern playing carpet, so that players can get used to it, Modutlwa said historically, bowls at the Commonwealth Games have been played outdoors on grass.
So Glasgow is the first time they are seeing it being played on carpet, indoors, she added. “That changes the game completely. We have taken note. We are engaging with countries that have indoor facilities to get specifications and estimates for the carpet,” Modutlwa said.
“The dream for BBA is to build an indoor facility before the 2030 Games in India. We believe that is how we prepare our athletes to compete and bring the results we all want.”