23 Jan 2022

Bobonong cross country race event held on Saturday was marred by challenges, according to Botswana Athletics Association’s northern coordinator.

Mpho Bagwasi said lack of transport and the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to low turnout.

Bagwasi explained that against the expected 200 athletes from 22 clubs in the northern part of the country, only 70 from five clubs showed up.

“Half of the athletes from a Maun Athletics Club tested positive to COVID-19 and hence could not come here and compete,” said Bagwasi, who added that the event was successful despite the challenges.

Despite the low turnout, Bagwasi found solace in that all categories of senior men and women, junior boys and girls and youth participated.

Not only did clubs not turnout due to COVID-19 and transport challenges, some clubs reported that they had just started training and hence could not risk their athletes competing too soon, Bagwasi said.

However, not only was the event affected by COVID-19 and lack of transport, low turnout of women at BAA events worried the northern coordinator.

Of the 70 participating athletes, only nine were women out of which two participated in youth, six in junior and one at senior category.

“It is an insurmountable challenge for us. The ladies come and go,” said Bagwasi.

Some of the athletes who participated in the event found it not only intriguing, but also a suitable challenge prior to the final one.

A 15-year-old Kenewang Segolame, who competed in youth category, stated that despite the terrain tough to maneuver, the six kilometre race was not challenging since females in her category did not turn up.

Segolame ran a time 24:22.

“I wasn’t prepared for the obstacles I found during the race. I’m not used to such obstacles,” junior men winner Thapelo Galeboe said about his eight kilometre race. He registered 33:07.

Athletes are expected to compete again at another event billed for Sua on February 5.

The northern coordinator expects better numbers and improved preparations. ENDS