A reign that saw record breaking feats
Staff Writer | Friday March 30, 2018 12:30
While Khama did not have a direct bearing on the outcome, history will record that the achievements were made during Khama's time as President.
Khama is a known passionate sports follower and Botswana Football Association (BFA) patron. He is the founder of Mogoditshane Fighters and has regularly attended Zebras games.
During Khama's reign, the Zebras qualified for their first ever Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2012. After years of near misses, coach Stan Tshosane's side made it to Gabon for what has been the Zebras' only appearance at a continental competition's finals.
In 2011, the country produced the first ever world champion when Amantle Montsho won gold in Daegu, South Korea during the World Championships.
In 2012, Botswana broke a long standing 32-year-old jinx when Nijel Amos became the first local athlete to win a medal at the Olympics. Amos finished second behind Kenya's David Rudisha, in the history's fastest 800m race in London.
There was another rare sport moment, months before Khama's tenure ended, when Isaac Makwala ran a solo race during last year's World Championships in London.
Khama was to later reward Makwala with P100,000 despite the athlete failing to win a medal, as there was an overwhelming feeling that he had been cheated.
The President is expected to continue playing an active role in sports, particularly in football, which he regularly played with his Cabinet colleagues.
Sports fans will hope Khama's successor, Mokgweetsi Masisi revives his enthusiasm in sports as he is said to have been a soccer and tennis player during his early days before he chose acting.