The University of Botswana will embark on research that will focus on Anti- Doping Education and Consideration/Intention of Using Prohibited Substances in Botswana, Zambia and Papua New Guinea, thanks to a 2020 World Anti-Doping Agency research grant.
The grant has been awarded to Dr Tshepang Tshube, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation. Dr Tshube said he was happy to be awarded the 2020 World Anti-Doping Agency research grant in the amount of US$59,662 (around P640 000).
The project, he said, would look at Anti- Doping Education and Consideration/Intention of Using Prohibited Substances in Botswana, Zambia and Papua New Guinea.
Most of the research work is planned to start next month (January 2020). This is a prestigious award in sports circles. Dr Tshube said he would like all stakeholders in Botswana such as Botswana National Olympic Committee, UB and RADO as well as partner countries to benefit from the award.
Dr Tshube is this year’s University of Botswana Emerging Arts/Science and Technology Researcher of the Year. He was among six UB researchers who received awards at the University Research Awards Ceremony on November 15, 2019.
The Research Awards Ceremony is a premier occasion where the University recognises its academics whose research has international impact, whilst remaining locally relevant.
Dr Tshube is an active researcher in Southern Africa, publishing in areas of dual-career, life skills, mental skills, coach-athlete relations, and elite athlete retirement transition.
In addition to his academic work, Dr. Tshube is a member of the BNOC High-Performance Commission. He provides sports psychology services to team Botswana. He accompanied team Botswana to the 2016 Olympic Games, 2018 Commonwealth Games and several Africa Championships.
He has been awarded the 2013 IOC Graduate Scholar Award, and the 2017 African Alliance Award. His current projects include the Life Skills for Academic Outcome project funded to over P300 000 by the BTC Foundation.
“This is indeed a monumental achievement for you and your Team. We look forward to continue our working relationship with you. Good luck with your work,” said Africa Zone VI Regional Anti-Doping Organisation Manager at the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport & Culture Development, Mr Andrew Kamanga, in a message to Dr Tshube.
“We are glad that finally, Botswana will contribute towards building a body of knowledge in the space of the fight against doping in sport,” reads another message from the BNOC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tuelo Serufho. Mr Serufho said as the BNOC they remained committed to supporting Dr Tshube and his team whichever way they could.