FNB Botswana National Sports Stadium

Project Scope: Refurbishment of Athletic Track, Long Jump Track, and Shot Put Stand

Reviving a National Treasure — Under Pressure and On Time

In early 2025, Stimteam (trading as Athletic Track SA) took on one of its most high-pressure assignments to date — the complete refurbishment of the athletic surfaces at the FNB Botswana National Sports Stadium. This wasn’t just any upgrade. The clock was ticking toward one of the continent’s most prestigious sporting events: the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series, set for April 12, 2025.

Brought in as subcontractors to BWX Links Holding, our mission was clear — repair and resurface the athletics track, long jump track, and shot put stand, all within just two months. From the moment we stepped onto the worn and damaged surface, we knew the road ahead would test every ounce of our experience, precision, and teamwork.

The Process — Precision from the Ground Up

We began by carefully removing the deteriorated track surface, riddled with bubbles and cracks from years of wear. Once cleared, the base was meticulously prepared and primed, making it ready to receive a brand-new SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) layer — laid to perfection by our skilled team.

Next came the blue wearing layer, a defining aesthetic for the stadium, followed by the final EPDM blue granule spray coating. Our last step was detailed line marking, ensuring the track met international standards and was ready to host world-class athletes.

Challenges — And How We Overcame Them

Working against the clock was just the beginning. We faced multiple challenges:

Unpredictable Weather: From rain halting work to extreme heat drying the rubber too quickly, our team had to adapt rapidly each day
Logistics & Cross-Border Coordination: Transporting machinery and materials from South Africa to Botswana wasn’t without its hurdles, especially given the tight timelines.
Material Delays: The specific blue surface required was sourced from overseas, adding pressure to our already compressed schedule.

Despite it all, our team — a blend of 25 skilled workers, including local professionals — worked day and night, showing what’s possible with commitment, experience, and focus.

The Result — A Track Worthy of Champions

Our final handover came just days before the grand event. The refurbished stadium welcomed athletes and spectators with a world-class surface — and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Event organizers praised our work and timelines, highlighting how Stimteam played a vital role in ensuring the success of the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix 2025.

A Proud Moment for Stimteam

This project is more than just another achievement in our portfolio — it’s a testament to our commitment to excellence, even under extreme pressure. We’re proud to have played a role in preparing Botswana’s national stadium for a global stage, and we look forward to more impactful projects across the continent.