03 Apr 2025

The late arrival of top surface granules has caused extension of the hand-over of the National Stadium by two days to April 8, just four days before the venue hosts the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix on April 12.

Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), Director of Business Development and Property Management Services, Makuke Makuke said in an interview that the stadium was to be handed on April 6, but there was delay in delivery of the materials. He said they had hoped to receive the top surface granules on March 28, but the delay was beyond their control. 

However, he said the blue top surface granules would arrive tomorrow and delivered to the stadium to start the process of laying the track. He said they had planned to lay the track in four days.

Makuke said they had now bought two machines to speed up the process, adding that after laying the track they would start the process of lane marking. He expressed happiness that they finished laying the black rubber on time.

“From our side, I think the biggest risk is the material from overseas, if the material arrives, this track will be available for the Botswana Golden Grand Prix,” he said.

He said there was no “Plan B” because Obed Itani Chilume Stadium was not certified for the Botswana Golden Grand Prix. The track certification, he said, expired last year, and in that regard the plan was that after finishing with the National Stadium government would seek funds to also rehabilitate the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium track.

Golden Door Sports Agency director, Glody Dube said the extension by two days would not adversely affect them.

“But we just keep our fingers crossed for the event to take place in April, because if we fail to host it, people will lose money,” he said.

Dube said athletes had started buying flight tickets and booking accommodation, adding that spectators had already bought tickets. ENDS