The University of Botswana (UB) Stadium is due for refurbishment of its track and field facilities to enable it to host major sporting events once again. The renovation of both track and field is being initiated ahead of the World Relays, which Botswana will host next May.
The UB Stadium has been earmarked as a training ground for athletes during the World Relays due to its proximity to the National Stadium, where the main event will take place.
According to UB’s Director of Sports and Recreation, Dr. Comfort Mokgothu, the refurbishment of the stadium is expected to begin in the foreseeable future. When asked when the work would start, he said, “soon.” The director explained that the refurbishment is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Sports and Arts to promote the growth of sports and arts under a newly signed MoU between UB and the ministry.
Signed in February, the MoU between the Ministry of Sports and Arts and the University of Botswana aims to promote the growth of sports and arts through closer collaboration. During the signing, Minister of Sport Jacob Kelebeng urged cooperation between UB and other sporting affiliates to fully utilize UB’s facilities to achieve optimum results.
The Minister suggested that UB’s infrastructure and human resources could benefit sports, provided these partnerships cultivate a cordial working relationship, thereby aiding the development of athletes and bringing more accolades to Botswana. The MoU seeks to build a sustainable sports ecosystem while also addressing youth unemployment and creating sporting opportunities.
Kelebeng emphasized that UB’s facilities should be fully utilized—not only to develop local athletes but also to attract international competitors to Botswana. UB is currently determining the scope of work before identifying a contractor to bring the stadium to the required standards for renewed use.
Prior to bidding for the World Relays, the Botswana Athletics Association contacted UB to explore using the UB Stadium as a venue. Given its proximity to the National Stadium, “an agreement to use UB Stadium as a warm-up/training venue was reached.”
UB assured Sunday Standard Sport that the stadium’s refurbishment and construction of the track and field are national projects between the Ministry of Sport and UB, and the facility will be ready in time for the World Relays.
The cost of the project and the estimated timeline for its start and completion are yet to be determined.
Dr. Mokgothu explained that the UB Stadium was closed in 2024 for public use; however, “students continue to use some parts of the stadium that were not affected, such as the long jump pit, the soccer pitch for rugby, and the portion of the track that was not damaged.”
It is expected that the construction work will start and finish ahead of the World Relays.
