As reported by Botswana Daily News, Serufho said although the BNOC had not yet received funding from the Government, the Botswana National Sport Commission has been given money to distribute to National Federations in order to implement programmes towards athlete preparations to qualify for Tokyo 2020.

"This has created problems, to have a smooth coordinated implementation of training programmes for the athletes," Serufho was reported as saying by Botswana Daily News.

Serufho denounced that qualification deadlines for some sports, such as cycling, had passed and that others were edging closer.

He said it was important to ensure that with the limited amount of time, Botswana could qualify athletes and win medals at Tokyo 2020.

A target has been set to qualify 15 athletes and win at least four medals.

To date, Serufho said, only three athletes - middle-distance runner Nijel Amos and sprinters Galefele Moroko and Christine Botlogetswe - had qualified for Tokyo 2020.

"It is mandatory for us to ensure that there is representation at the Olympic Games, therefore it is important that, as we have that responsibility, we keep you updated, as to what is happening with respect to our preparation to compete at the Olympic Games," he added.

In July, Serufho revealed BNOC is hoping to generate at least BWP5.5 million (£388,000/$509,000/€459,000) from an ongoing initiative aimed at raising funds in the build-up to Tokyo 2020.

BNOC made a decision in April to raise funds through non-traditional sources and launched an SMS donation campaign that will run until August of next year.

The funds raised will complement Government and International Olympic Committee support for the Botswanan team's Olympic preparations.

Botswana will be making their 11th consecutive Summer Olympic Games appearance at Tokyo 2020.

Amos won the men's 800 metres silver medal at London 2012, securing Botswana's first-ever Olympic podium finish.

At Rio 2016, Botswana failed to win a single medal.