Just a few years ago, Botswana had a promising gymnast who was taking the international competitions by storm, this despite the fact that there is no sport of gymnastics in the country.
This made people wonder where the 26-year-old Kutlwano Mothibi was learning all the techniques that he executed with perfection from.
Currently, little is being heard of Mothibi despite age still being on his side. “The sport is actually dormant in the country and it is so sad. Mind you, all that time when I was participating in international competitions I was based outside Botswana and studying at the same time.
Currently, I am staying in Botswana and there are lots of challenges ahead for the sport,” he said. Mothibi said for the sport to go forward, there should be a governing body affiliated to the Botswana National Sports Council but currently it is not the case.
However he told Telegraph Sports that he has put it upon himself to do something for the sport he loves the most. He said he wants to create a club that will cater for aspiring gymnasts.
“Recently I bought some equipment from South Africa to start a gymnastics club. The problem now is the venue where the equipment will be put for utilisation. Nevertheless, I am supposed to meet some of Gaborone City Council officials to see if we cannot use one of the community halls around. It would be nice if I get a place that is easily accessible,” he said.
Mothibi added that his hope is to groom youngsters who will be eligible to compete for 2020 Olympics and beyond.
He, however, added that if that is to be achieved it would take a lot of hard work and dedication.
“It takes about 10-15 years to develop a complete gymnast, and I believe that can be achieved if there is support from all concerned stakeholders,” he said.
Mothibi has participated at several major international games including Commonwealth and Africa Championships. It was at the Africa Championships where he made his mark by winning silver medals in 2004 and 2006.
