Letsile Tebogo – There is no rivalry between Botswana and South Africa

Instead, the Botswana sprint sensation believes the two countries are united in their mission to elevate African athletics on the global stage.

Botswana made history when they claimed gold in the men’s 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025, ending the long-standing dominance of the United States in the event and becoming the first African nation to achieve the feat.

Meanwhile, South Africa also celebrated relay success after winning gold at the World Athletics Relays 2025 and will head to Gaborone as the defending champions.

Earlier, Botswana had also secured gold at the World Athletics Relays 2024, with South Africa finishing second and also winning silver at the Paris Olympics. 

Despite the impressive performances from both nations in global relay competitions, Tebogo insists their focus is not on competing against each other but on challenging the rest of the world.

"I personally feel like there is no rivalry between South Africa and Botswana, we are just good competitors. The moment you create rivalry in Africa, it means we won't achieve the goal we want to achieve as African athletes to take it to the world."

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The Botswana superstar is currently in Potchefstroom in North West as part of his preparations for the upcoming World Athletics Relays 2026, which will take place in Gaborone from 2–3 May.

Tebogo has been based in the North West province since 17 February and is expected to return home sometime in April as he continues building towards the major international event on Botswana soil.

"Even though we don't have much to do this year, we just have to keep the body up and running as preparation for the World Relays.

"It's a great honour to do it on home soil for us as athletes because we have been doing it in other countries."

Tebogo, who also serves as an ambassador for World Athletics, says the Botswana relay squad is determined to continue its rise on the global stage. 

The sprint star believes the team has what it takes to once again challenge powerhouses such as the United States and South Africa for the gold medal in the men’s 4x400m relay.

He added that the group is motivated to dominate the event for years to come as they grow together as a unit.

Tebogo, who turns 23 on 7 June, also revealed to the national broadcaster that he is planning to compete in both the 4x100m and 4x400m relays at the World Relay Championships in his home country.

As one of the leading figures in Botswana athletics, he says he is determined to do everything possible to help his nation secure podium finishes in front of the home crowd.