Collen Kebinatshipi Speaks Out as Nationality Switch Debate Grows in African Athletics

World 400m champion Collen Kebinatshipi has called on African athletics federations to do more to "protect" their athletes, following a recent move by World Athletics to block six runners from the continent who sought to switch their allegiance to Turkey.

The practice of changing nationality has become an increasingly popular route for athletes looking for better financial incentives and more structured support systems. However, this trend has led to a significant talent drain across Africa.

Collen Kebinatshipi, a star from Botswana, acknowledged the immense challenges athletes face, especially when preparing for major international events, and urged national governing bodies to step up their support.

"Spending sometimes can be a bit challenging," the 22-year-old told BBC Sport Africa. "I think they [African athletes] are doing that because they want to go where they can cut costs [and] be supported."

Earlier this month, World Athletics intervened after five Kenyan athletes, including former women's marathon world record-holder Brigid Kosgei, and Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, were reportedly targeted with "lucrative" contract offers from Turkey.

Ofili's case gained significant attention after an administrative error by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) led to her being left off the 100m entry list for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

In response to the ruling, the AFN emphasised the need for "unity" and creating the "right environment" for the 23-year-old sprint star to flourish.

"It's just about support from federations keeping up with their status and standards," Kebinatshipi added. "That can play a big role when it comes to athletes [who] want to switch their citizenship to other countries."

For athletes in Botswana, however, the thought of changing nationality seems distant, thanks to the nation's recent string of successes.

Letsile Tebogo secured a stunning 200m gold at Paris 2024, and alongside Kebinatshipi, Lee Bhekimpilo Eppie, and Bayapo Ndori, he was part of the 4x400m relay team that won gold at the World Championships in Tokyo last September.

This victory made Botswana the first African nation to achieve the feat, a success Kebinatshipi attributes to a newfound self-belief.

"At first, we didn't really believe in ourselves as athletes here in Botswana," he admitted. "We didn't know what it really means to show up and step on the track and deliver your best."

Raised in a village in south-west Botswana, Kebinatshipi discovered his talent for sport at school. His journey culminated in him becoming the first man from Botswana to win a gold medal at the World Championships, though he remains modest about his accomplishments.

"I don't really like to over-celebrate my achievements," he said. "My life has changed a lot when it comes to me going shopping. Everyone will come to me, taking pictures. For me to get in the shop and spend 10 minutes, I have to [allow an] extra 30 minutes for pictures."

The gold in Tokyo followed a narrow miss of the 400m Olympic final in Paris, and Kebinatshipi feels he has "overachieved early." He explained, "When it comes to the national record and winning gold on global stages, those were chats that were planned for [the] 2028 Olympics.

“We knew that it [winning in Tokyo] was just a bonus and we should go back to the drawing board and work for what we are aiming for, which is the 2028 Olympics."