National Stadium out of bounds to African Athletics Meet

However, the event has not been lost to Botswana as it has been shifted across the road to UB Stadium where facilities are being upgraded to meet international standards. After a long period of uncertainty, authorities have conceded that delayed rehabilitation works at the National Stadium will not be completed in time for the athletics competition. Initially, UB Stadium was to be used for warm up exercises ahead of fielding. There were assurances from government that the event would be at the National Stadium, though it was always clear that completing the renovation works in time for the event would be a tall order.

The Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Solly Reikeletseng, hinted at an alternative venue last week. However, LOC's communications coordinator, Tebatso Hule, said on Saturday that authorities had made it clear that the National Stadium was out of bounds to the athletics meet and a dispute between the government and the contractor had arisen.