A sea of blue, black, and white filled the streets of Gaborone, all the way from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport down to the national stadium as Batswana came together to welcome the triumphant Olympics team.
The athletes were greeted by thunderous applause from Batswana who thronged the airport and later filled the National Stadium. By midday, when the Mmegi team passed by the national stadium, hundreds of Batswana had already shown up.
At the airport, another spectacle and euphoric feeling as song and dance, almost deafening to the ear, as they eagerly waited on Team Botswana's arrival. The mood was electric. The famous "Tsaya Thobane" from Dr Vom and “Khiring, Khiring, Khorong, Khorong” by ATI could be heard across terminals as Batswana shared videos on social media.
From the moment the plane carrying the team including their coaches and the technical, appeared from the sky it was clear that they had become more than just athletes, they were now national heroes.
Although the flagbearer, Letsile Tebogo, has received the Presidential Order of Meritorious Service award, also known as Naledi last year, his national hero status was cemented on Tuesday. Outpours of love and affection, even from the first citizen, filled the air.
Draped in their Botswana colours, when they finally landed deafening cheers from Batswana who had been eagerly awaiting their arrival pierced through the air. Hundreds who lined the streets, waving flags and wearing national colours along the road leading to the national stadium went into a craze as the team passed by.
From the airport, the celebrations spilt onto the roads leading to the National Stadium, the motorcade was nothing short of amazing, almost reminiscent of the time Mpule Kwelagobe returned home after being crowned Miss Universe 1999.
The crowd screamed and danced when caught glimpses of the athletics team who were being chauffeured in an open-top bus. The crowd’s energy was electric with a standing ovation as the nation united for the sportsmen and women.
The motorcade proceeded to the national stadium for the final leg of the celebration. As soon as the crowd spotted the buzz, the stadium was left shaking. Inside, the atmosphere was nothing short of euphoric. The crowd, which had been building since midday, erupted in screams when the bus entered the stadium, their heroes had arrived.
At the gate, some were being turned away by the Police as the venue was too full. They had to unfortunately enjoy the moment outside, inside the stadium Batswana wanted nothing but to see their heroes, for the afternoon Batswana put their differences aside, forgot their life problems and celebrated the team.
In his speech, the President, Mokgweetsi Masisi praised the team’s achievements as a testament to the hard work and dedication. The President further pledged to continue to support sports. “You have shown the world what Batswana are capable of,” he said. Addressing the athletes directly, he added, “You have made us proud, and today, we celebrate you.”
Masisi further urged Batswana to contribute to gifting the athletics but from him and his government, he said, “You will be smiling. Every single one of you.”
When the man of the moment, the 200m Olympic gold winner, Letsile, stepped on stage another wave of cheers and ululation pierced through. As cameramen and women clicked their ‘toys’ Letsile took the podium.
In his brief speech, he thanked the team and the coaches for their hard work. The athletes, humbled by the overwhelming support, promised to continue striving for excellence, inspired by the love and pride of their fellow Batswana.
At that very moment, it was not only the eyes of Batswana watching: the world celebrated with Botswana. As the sun set on a day filled with celebration, one thing is for sure, the team has united the country.
Although his name is engraved at the main mall and was the star attraction, the entire athletics team received their flowers. They are national heroes.
