The Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) has announced it requires approximately P16 million to fully finance Team Botswana’s participation in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, as preparations accelerate amid a significant funding shortfall.
BNOC Chief Executive Officer Dorothy Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe disclosed this week that despite securing government and international support, the total resources raised remain well below the committee’s projected budget.
Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe detailed that the Ministry of Sports and Arts (MOSA) has provided P2 million toward preparations, complemented by a P751,000 grant from Commonwealth Sport. Nevertheless, the BNOC submitted a detailed budget proposal exceeding P16.5 million to cover all aspects of preparation, logistics, and participation costs.
“The BNOC has submitted a proposed budget of P16,586,874.00 and we were advanced with P2,612,000.00. Follow-ups have been made, and we are currently awaiting feedback,” Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe said during a press briefing in Gaborone.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow. Botswana is set to compete across six sporting disciplines: athletics, boxing, judo, lawn bowling, weightlifting, and swimming. The nation’s bid to include Basketball 3×3 fell short after the team failed to qualify at the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup held in Madagascar last December.
Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe also confirmed that accreditation processes for athletes, officials, and dignitaries were completed on March 21, marking a crucial administrative milestone ahead of the multi-sport event. In athletics, preparations include participation in key competitions such as the Sepeng Invitational Challenge and the World Athletics Relays, which are expected to serve as vital benchmarks leading into Glasgow.
Weightlifting athletes are being supported to attend qualifying events in Samoa and Egypt, while boxing and judo teams have gained international experience through recent competitions. Lawn bowling plans to host both local and international training camps as part of its buildup.
Despite the financial challenges, BNOC President Tshepo Sitale remains optimistic about Botswana’s medal prospects, setting a target of seven medals: “Our medal target is seven two gold, two silver, and three bronze,” he said. Sitale also noted a significant change in the athletics program at the Commonwealth Games, pointing out the removal of the 4x400m relay event. “4x400m will not be there. There will be 4x100m only,” he explained, a modification that could affect Botswana’s traditional relay strengths.
Looking beyond Glasgow, the BNOC is also focusing on preparations for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, despite a reduction in athlete allocations. Botswana had initially proposed a team of 22 athletes across eight sports, but the first allocation limited the contingent to six athletes competing in four disciplines. “The BNOC intends to formally request additional slots,” Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe said, indicating ongoing negotiations with the event organizers.
Preparations for Dakar are ongoing, with athletics team selections expected to be finalized following the national championships in early April. Meanwhile, boxing, judo, and swimming athletes continue training and competing in readiness for the Games. Leadership teams for both events have been established, with Tebogo Ntesang appointed Chef de Mission for Glasgow. Sitale described Ntesang as “a seasoned sports administrator with strong academic grounding in Olympic studies.”
For Dakar, Lechedzani “Master” Luza will lead the delegation. “They applied and were interviewed. The process was very transparent. The beauty about us is that we have standards that have to be met,” Sitale added.