13 Jan 2022

Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) will host the first event of the year in Gaborone tomorrow.

The event marks BAA’s mission to send athletes to World Championships, Commonwealth Games, World Under 20 Championships and Confederation of African Athletics championships.

In that regard, BAA vice president Oabona Theetso said the association would host the series after every two weeks to give athletes an opportunity to qualify.

The Gaborone Series would be a season opener, he said, adding that they were not expecting many athletes to take part.

“Some are not ready, while others feel it is too early, but BAA is doing its best to organise this series to help our athletes to qualify in large numbers,” Theetso said.

Meanwhile, some of the athletes who will be competing in the 100 metres women are Munyadzwe Tshepiso, Oarabile Tshosa, Kutlwano Mooketsi,Tshepang Manyika, Loungo Matlhaku and Boitshepo Moloi.

In the 100 metres men, the spectators will be entertained by Moabi Keakitse, Casper Matswagothata, Amon Kusekwa, Moagi Kenosi, Thuso Masasa, Boago Mabulane and Monnathebe Gasemodimo.

The 400 metres women race has Maipelo Tshephe, Nandi Rakhobo, Loungo Matlhaku, Senyama Gaalape, Gorata Chiwe, Lida Seakatsie, Sabata, Naledi Lopang and Galaletsang Masoko.

The 400 metres men is made up of Moseki Jeffrey, Tlotlo Mahempe, Calvin Omphile, Brian Seboko, Thabo Metseyabangwe, Thapelo Monaiwa, Onalethata Seganelang and Phodiso Rampa.

Theetso said they wanted athletes to focus in one competition to avoid fatigue given that all the four competitions would be hosted within a short space of time.

So far, only Nijel Amos, Isaac Makwala, Anthony Pesela and men’s 4 x 400 men’s relay team have qualified for the World Championships. Ends