On 4th February 2022, the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) hosted a Press Conference at the National Stadium to update the media on Onkabetse Nkobolo’s rehabilitation trip to India. The 400m sprinter National team athlete Onkabetse Onkobolo jetted off this morning, 7th February 2022 to India, where he will undergo a six (6) weeks rehabilitation program at the Indian Spinal Cord Centre.
When delivering her welcome remarks, the BNSC Vice-Chairperson Mrs Tebogo LebotseSebego said, “Today we come together to honor a gentle giant. An amazing athlete and a young man with a big heart. We have called you here today to join us in bidding Onkabetse farewell as he journeys to India, on a mission to seek rehabilitation.”
Mrs. LebotseSebego appreciated the amazing talent Nkobolo has and that he is our formidable 400m field and track sprinter who at 28 had already brought so much joy and, delight to Batswana winning two (2) medals at the 2015 All Africa Games (Gold and Bronze). He is an African Championships Gold medallist who has gone as far as the finals in the Olympic Games.
In 2020, Batswana’s hearts were shattered when the star was involved in an unfortunate car accident, which has to date kept him away from his trade and God given talent as a track and field athlete. “I have personally paid a close look at Onkabetse in the past 2 years and I have marveled at his bravery and just how big a heart he has. I today wish to celebrate and commend him for the positivity he continues to radiate in what is obviously a really painful situation for him and his family,”said Mrs LebotseSebego.
Mrs. LebotseSebego paid tribute to the behind the scenes work by the BNSC working closely with the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA Fund), Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) and Botswana National Olympic Committee(BNOC), to support Onkabetse. She also paid special tribute to his friends especially the athletes, Isaac Makwala, Glody Dube and Nijel Amos who over the years have been on Nkobolo’s side and giving him the support he needed. She noted that they have shown the world great sportsman’s spirit.
“To Nkobolo’s family with us today and especially, Mma Shabane, we wish Nkobolo the very best on this journey and pray that he comes back even more inspired and positive about his future. To Onkabetse, you know that I love you as a little brother and nothing would make me happier than to see you on the track again. Whatever the future holds, remember that every moment is a new opportunity and beginning. Trust in the Lord to deliver unto you a life you deserve. On behalf of your family in sports, I wish you the very best,” Mrs LebotseSebego said.
On his part, Nkobolo thanked his family, the sporting fraternity, MVA Fund and God for being with him through out his recovery period and noted that he was hopeful the rehabilitation process will be a success as he cant wait to be back on the track.
The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund together with the sporting bodies have jointly facilitated for Nkobolo and his care-taker's trip to India, and the fund is to take care of all the travel and medical expenses for the entire duration of the rehabilitation exercise.
The sporting fraternity wishes Nkobolo well on his journey of recovery.