Presidential award for Makwala
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday August 23, 2017 15:26
After Makwala was disqualified from contesting the 400m finals in what was seen as unfair IAAF treatment, President Ian Khama promised that he would receive P100,000, which is the prize money for athletes who win a gold medal at international competitions under the athlete’s incentive.
Makwala who has had a stellar year after running a stunning 200m and 400m double in Madrid, Spain last month, will receive the Presidential Certificate of Honour.
Makwala was tipped to bring a medal from London, but finished fifth in the 200m finals, while he was barred from competing in the 400m finals after IAAF officials said he suffered from a virus emanating from food poisoning.
Makwala’s coach, Mogomotsi Otsetswe will be honoured with the Presidential Order of Meritorious Service. Otsetswe has had a hand in the meteoric rise of athletes such as Nijel Amos, Makwala, Amantle Montsho, Karabo Sibanda and Baboloki Thebe.
Former Township Rollers midfielder, Mogogi Gabonamong who retired at the end of last season, will also be honoured with the Presidential Certificate of Honour.
Gabonamong is one of the country’s best soccer exports having played in Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa. He represented the country at all national levels. Botswana Netball Association (BONA) president, Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego, for her efforts in the country winning the 2017 World Netball Youth Cup bid as well as the immaculate organisation of the tournament, will also receive the certificate of honour. The tournament, played in Botswana between July 8 and 16, was the first world netball event held on African soil.