President of Botswana Athletics, Moses Bantsi, has declared that Botswana is determined to host one of the greatest editions of the African Senior Athletics Championships when Gaborone stages the continental event in 2028.
Speaking exclusively to FAKS MEDIA in Accra during the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championships, Bantsi revealed that preparations for the 2028 championship would commence immediately after the conclusion of the competition in Ghana.
The Botswana Athletics President, whose country recently earned global praise for successfully hosting the World Relays, said Botswana intends to deliver far more than just a sporting event, stressing that the goal is to redefine the African Championships and restore its prestige among elite athletes across the continent.
According to Bantsi, the absence of many of Africa’s top athletes at the ongoing championship in Ghana clearly shows that there is a need for African athletics administrators to rethink how the championship is packaged and promoted.
“Immediately after this championship in Ghana, when we return to Botswana, preparations for 2028 begin immediately,” Bantsi said.
“Our first assignment is to sit down and think about what we need to add to the African Championships beyond the competition itself. We must create something that attracts the best athletes in Africa and makes them want to participate regardless of their schedules.”
Bantsi noted that while African athletes continue to dominate global athletics and perform exceptionally well at international competitions, many of them no longer see the African Championships as a major priority due to scheduling conflicts and the increasing importance attached to international meets.
“Unlike what we are seeing here in Ghana where many of Africa’s biggest names are not present, it should not be like that. This is Africa’s own championship, and naturally the best athletes on the continent should be here competing for their countries,” he stated.
The Botswana Athletics boss said Gaborone 2028 would focus on improving athlete experience, competition standards, hospitality, sponsorship value, media exposure, and entertainment in order to make the event attractive to both athletes and fans.
He explained that Botswana plans to engage stakeholders across the continent, including the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), national federations, sponsors, broadcasters, and athletes themselves to ensure the championship meets global standards.
“We want athletes to look forward to the African Championships the same way they look forward to major international competitions. Africa has world-class athletes, and we must build a championship that reflects that quality,” Bantsi added.
Bantsi also highlighted Botswana’s growing status as one of Africa’s leading destinations for athletics competitions, especially after the successful hosting of the World Relays, which attracted some of the biggest athletics nations in the world.
According to him, the experience gained from hosting the World Relays would provide Botswana with the confidence and technical expertise needed to organize a memorable African Championship in 2028.
“We learned a lot from hosting the World Relays. It showed that Botswana has the capacity, the facilities, and the passion for athletics. Now we want to use that experience to host an African Championships that will leave a lasting legacy for African athletics,” he said.
The Botswana Athletics President further stressed that the 2028 championship would not only focus on competition but also on celebrating African culture, promoting tourism, and creating opportunities for young athletes across the continent.
He believes the African Championships must evolve into a complete sporting festival capable of attracting global attention while inspiring the next generation of African athletes.
“Our vision is clear. We want Gaborone 2028 to become a championship that every athlete wants to attend, every federation is proud to be part of, and every African can celebrate,” Bantsi concluded.
With Botswana already gaining recognition for its rapid rise in international athletics hosting, expectations are steadily building that Gaborone 2028 could mark a new era for the African Senior Athletics Championships.
Ohis Asein in Accra