07 Jun 2022

The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) 22nd African Senior Athletics Championships start in Port-Louis, Mauritius today.

Team Botswana is ready to take Africa by storm and promises nothing, but good tidings.

The team is expected to surpass the 2018 feat in Nigeria where Botswana won two gold medals courtesy of Nijel Amos in 800 metres and Baboloki Thebe (400m), while Christine Botlogetswe clinched a bronze medal.

For this year’s edition, Botswana has assembled a red hot team, which knows that expectations are high.

What some athletes said;

Letsile Tebogo

“I know people are expecting a lot from me, I am not under any pressure, I am going to do my best to salvage a medal for my country; we are using the Africa senior to prepare for other competitions.

I am going to take it easy, but you know my spikes sometimes let me down, but I am bringing a medal home”

Lydia Jele

“I am trying to get back into the racing mode, because I have been out for a while, so I am reminding my body that I am an athlete. I am here to do my best, and a medal is  inevitable”

 Collen Kebinatshipi

“I am a debutant and I am going to learn from my peers who have done it before, but I am not ruling out a medal. Moreso, that I will be part of the mixed relay, we want to bring a medal”

Christine Botlogetswe

“I am learning to run faster, because I am just returning from an injury, but I will do my best. I want to qualify for the World Championships, so I will be forced to work very hard and a podium finish is doable”

Tsaone Sebele

“Batswana should expect my best and it is every athlete’s dream to win a medal, so I also have a dream to win a medal for my country”

Tumo Van Wyk -Lesesere

“It is my first time to compete there, but I am more than ready. Our mission as athletes is to win medals for our country, so we have been motivating each other”

Anthony Pesela

“I will be doing 200 metres this time, so I have been preparing well.  I saw how I rolled in Francistown, so I am hopeful that I will make it to the podium”

Bayapo Ndori

“We are going to compete with Africa’s finest, so I am ready, and my fitness level says it all”

Team coach, Justice Dipeba

“Ok, Botswana Athletics Association has set a target of eight medals, but looking at the teams, their experience and confidence, chances are that we might surpass the set target.

Our sprint team is looking really good”. Ends