Sports chief raises alarm over doping spike amid Region 5 triumph

A top sports official has raised concerns over rising doping violations, warning the misconduct could derail promising careers. Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) Chairman Marumo Morule used his welcome speech for Team Botswana to both commend their performance and sound the alarm on what he described as an uptick in doping violations. “In an era where doping and misconduct can taint great careers, discipline and integrity should and must remain admirable,” Morule said during the welcome ceremony held last week. Team Botswana performed exceptionally well at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia, returning home with 61 medals—17 gold, 17 silver and 27 bronze—solidifying the country’s status as a regional sports powerhouse. But the celebration comes amid a troubling trend. Botswana has recorded five doping violations in 2025 alone—four in athletics and one in softball. The latest involve track athletes Tshepang Manyika and Mpho Lekwalo, who tested positive for anabolic steroids. According to a statement issued last week by the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), the substances—oxymetholone and stanozolol—are banned under the 2025 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list. “The two substances are Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) classified under S1.1 Anabolic Agents,” the BNOC statement reads. “Their presence in athletes’ samples, analyzed at a WADA-accredited laboratory, constitutes Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) under the Botswana Anti-Doping Rules and the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC).” Samples were collected during in-competition testing on May 16. The BNOC said both athletes have been notified of the Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs), and their cases will be processed under the International Standard for Results Management (ISRM) to ensure “fair and impartial outcomes.” The doping revelations cast a shadow over Botswana’s otherwise impressive showing at the Games. Morule praised the athletes for upholding the values of clean sport, while cautioning that doping could severely damage the country’s growing international sporting reputation. “You’ve not only won medals,” he told the team, “you’ve strengthened national unity and elevated Botswana’s standing across the region.” He emphasized that the victories were not a matter of luck but the result of “sheer hard work and dedication” from athletes, coaches and administrators. “We recognize your sacrifices, your long hours, your strategic minds and your unwavering belief in our youth,” Morule said. He extended special thanks to the BNSC, BNOC, National Sport Associations, sponsors and parents for their collective efforts. “Without your partnership, this mission would not have been possible. It takes a village to raise a champion—and you have played your part brilliantly,” he said. Private sector applauded Morule also applauded the growing involvement of the private sector in sports development. Companies such as Debswana Diamond Company and Nashua Botswana were awarded medals of honor during the Games in recognition of their support. “This is a great step in the right direction,” Morule said. “As the country continues to perform well in sport, I want to take this moment to invite more private sector participation through funding and other means. We are blessed to have companies that believe in sport and its value chain.” Looking ahead: Olympic ambitions Even as the celebrations continue, Morule urged a focus on the future. He described the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games as a stepping stone to global competitions. “Next on the horizon is the 2025 African Youth Games in Angola, then the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, and ultimately, Los Angeles 2028,” he said. “In between these, there are many other competitions related to your sport codes and disciplines that you should aim to qualify for.” Morule reiterated Botswana’s long-term goal: “5 Olympic Gold Medals by 2028.” “The journey to Los Angeles has already begun, and many of the athletes who just returned from Namibia are well on their way to being part of that historic mission,” he said. Nurturing the next generation The BNSC chairman stressed that the country is not just building athletes, but grooming future leaders and ambassadors. “We are nurturing champions through sport,” he said. “The Region 5 Games offer critical experience and exposure.” He pointed to the example of Botswana’s past Olympians who began their careers in similar youth competitions, including Nigel Amos, Oteng Oteng, Letsile Tebogo, Amantle Montsho, Rajab Mohammed, Isaac Makwala, Maxine Egner and Glody Dube. Morule noted that some of these athletes were invited to Namibia to serve as mentors during the Games. Urgent need for anti-doping reform Despite the celebratory tone, the growing doping problem looms over Botswana’s sporting future. Experts like Professor Tshepang Tshube, a U.S.-based sports science lecturer, have warned that unless the country adopts robust anti-doping laws, it could face sanctions from international sporting bodies. Botswana currently relies heavily on WADA guidelines and ad hoc national measures. On his official Facebook page this week, Professor Tshube called for legislative reform that would allow law enforcement to prosecute not only athletes but also coaches and support staff who encourage or enable doping. Morule’s remarks, though not explicitly addressing legislation, hinted at broader awareness of the issue within the sporting establishment. “Let us continue to practice safe, respectful and fair sport,” he said. “Discipline and integrity must remain central to our identity as athletes.” Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Chef de Mission, General Team Manager Nonofo Kurwana delivered a heartfelt reflection on the team’s journey and what it meant for the nation. “Botswana went into these Games with a mission: to represent the country with pride, discipline and excellence—and our young men and women delivered on that promise,” she said. “This achievement is not just a reflection of sporting ability. It is a testament to the resilience, dedication and fighting spirit of our athletes.” The Region 5 Youth Games, held every two years and featuring athletes under 20 from across Southern Africa, serve as both a proving ground and a launchpad for the continent’s future sports stars.

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