Kutlo Motseta
24th June 2025
One of the biggest sports brands in the world, Nike, has recently signed 800m rising local star Keitlhobogile Hangura.
Despite Botswana’s success on the world stage only a few athletes have secured endorsements from a major global sports brand.
Hangura’s meteoric rose, shows the elite potential of the Maun Athletics Club. The upcoming athlete within two years of training professionally with club, was transferred to Pretoria and joined acclaimed South African coach Sameul Sepeng.
Sepeng, who has trained him since last year, believes that Hangura is capable of breaking the world record.
“I knew him since last year …. the first thing is progress and witnessing from a coache’s side we see him running consistently …. it’s possible to get to that time … I see him coming…. He still needs to know how to deal with those top athletes and understand his strengths … and he can run the world record,” he said.
However, Sepeng is more concerned with the future of athletes. He would rather implement a 2028/2030 long term plan than focus on quick results, which can be counterproductive.
“From our side we want to build an athlete … we want to see him get to the finals (2025 world championships). I can take him to 1:41 minutes this year and we will never see him again,” said Sepeng.
Although athletes try and peak at the Majors, Sepeng said athletes also need to pay their bills, thus they can’t always focus on producing the best results at the World Championships.
Many athletes have joined Sepeng and improved their times within months. He is very impressed with Hangura’s character, humility, kindness and willingness to learn.
“He is a humble person … and takes instruction. He puts in the work, he wants to work. It is our duty for him to understand the game (race strategy) … He gives us confidence … running 1.43 seconds in [all] three diamonds leagues,” said Sepeng.
Despite financial challenges, which forces some athletes to compete frequently leading to undesired outcomes at the World Championships, athletes also have to contend with visa restrictions, which can affect preparations.
“He has to renew his visa in Europe as it’s expiring in July. That’s limiting us, as we have to wait for it to expire [in order to renew it]. After coming back (to his training base) he will return … Those are some of the challenges that are facing athletes,” he said.
Hangura is the latest of series of athletes carrying Botswana’s hopes on the world stage. With the support of fellow Batswana, there is little reason to doubt that he is capable of bringing home the second world championship or Olympic gold track and field medal to the country.
