06 Jun 2022

Athletics remains one of the best performing codes.

Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) president, Paphane Botlhale, said this during Team Botswana’s send-off ceremony on Sunday.

The 33-member team will take part in the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) 22nd African Senior Athletics Championships in Port-Louis, Mauritius from June 8 to 12.

Botlhale, therefore, urged athletes to do their best and continue with their good work by bringing glory to the country.

“We have always produced good results, we are never second, we are the best, and I believe that in Mauritius, this team is going to make us very proud,” he said.

Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) representative, Kabelo Mmono, reminisced about winning a gold medal for the country in high jump, 18 years ago in Congo Brazzaville, during the African Championships.

“So as a former athlete, I know what it takes to wear the country’s colours, and some of you are going to be successful in bringing the medals and some of you will not, but it does not end there and do not despair,” he said.

Mmono said athletes must be cognisant of the fact that their opponents were also preparing, advising those who will not make it to the podium to keep the faith and come back home to work harde.

He said he was happy that BAA was sending 33 athletes to the competitions, adding that during their time, only a small number qualified to represent the country.

He said qualifying in large numbers was indeed a milestone and that going forward Botswana will send at least 100 athletes.

Mmono also advised the athletes to exercise good discipline and enjoy the competition.

The team, which left on yesterda is made up of: Tsaone Sebele, Loungo Matlhaku and Oarabile Tshosa for both 100 and 200 metres women.

In the men’s category, Botswana will pin its hopes on Letsile Tebogo, who will be doubling the 100 and 200 metres, while Thuto Masasa and Tumo Lesere will be competing in the 100 metres only.

The 400 metres women team is made up of Christine Botlogetswe, Lydia Jele and Tlhomphang Basele, while Oratile Nowe will compete in the 800 metres

The 400 metres men’s team is made of tried and tested athletes in Anthony Pesela, Bayapo Ndori, Leungo Scotch, Zibani Ngozi, Ditiro Nzamani and Busang Kebinatshipi, while in the 800 metres there is Tshepiso Masalela

Kemorena Tisang will represent the country in the 110 metres hurdles, while Victor Ntweng and Maitseo Keitumetse will compete in the 400 metres hurdles.

The 4 x100 metres relay women team is made up Winnie Sarefo, Boitshepo Kelapile, Tshepang Manyika, Motlatse Rante and Obakeng Kamberuka.

The 4 x100 metres relay men team has Stephen Abosi, Calvin Omphile, and Jayson Mandoze, who will be joined by other athletes after competing in their individual races. Ends