The sprint sensation walked away as the richest awards recipient after pocketing P100, 000 for the Sportsperson of the Year award sponsored by Debswana Mining Company. He also banked P75, 000 for Sportsman of the Year sponsored by Orange Botswana. The two awards follow his stellar performance during the 2024 season where he made history by winning the 200m final at the Paris Olympics, earning the first-ever gold medal for Botswana with 19.46s time. He also powered the men’s 4x400m relay team to an Olympic silver medal, which saw the team walking away with Team of the Year award. Tebogo said these are the results of teamwork and dedication. He dedicated the award to team D.O.C and Rosa Associate Management. He said without their support, the Olympic achievements were impossible. Tebogo also dedicated the award to his late mother, Seratiwa. Tebogo’s mother was always his biggest supporter and he dedicated his 200m victory at the Olympics by wearing shoes inscribed with her birth date and initials.
However, it was also a night to remember for the Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) as they walked away with four awards, Junior Sportswoman of the Year (Malak Macheng), Junior Sportsman of the Year (Ntungamile Raguin), Umpire/Referee of the Year (Gaone Poane). Malak Macheng was also voted as the Public Athlete of the Year while Women and Sport Botswana (WASBO) also recognized Poane with an award. Speaking to SportMonitor, the BTA president, Oaitse Thipe, said the awards are an indication that investment in development can pay off and also hosting international tennis tournaments. Upon assuming office, Thipe has always advocated for player development and called for Botswana to introduce a model similar to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCA) in the United States of America (USA). He even proposed for the country to partner with some Colleges in the USA. Poane became the first Motswana woman to earn a White badge umpire and referee. She officiated at the Olympics and the Grand Slam. She said the two awards came as a surprise.
Speaking on behalf of her daughter, Bonnie Macheng said the two awards meant a lot to them. “God really came through for us especially now because I am unemployed. The awards are going to change Malak forever. She will never be the same. All I pray for is for her to focus and become the best she can be,” Macheng said. Meanwhile, Table Tennis was chosen as the National Sporting Association of the Year, after waiting for it for 31 years. The BTTA president, Kudzanani Motswagole, said they are excited and humbled after the long wait. Other winners: Sportswoman of the Year: Naledi Marape (Chess), Gloria Majaga (Sportswoman with Disability), Edwin Tiger (Sportsman with Disability), Moses Bantsi (Sports Administrator of the Year-BAA), Kebonyemodisa Dose Modimanyane (Coach of the Year-BAA) and Sumod Damoudar (Non-Citizen of the Year award). WASBO award: Sharon Raekae (Special Olympics). Minister’s awards: Oreeditse Marakakgoro (Chef de Mission, Paris 2024 Olympics team) and Marc Germuiquet (World Toughest Row ‘Solo race’). Media awards: Electronic media house of the year: Botswana Television Electronic journalist of the year: Karabo Bosena Photographer of the year: Letlhonogolo Mawila: Killer Pass Print journalist of the year: Tlotlo Kebinakgabo Print media house of the year: Gazette
