27 Apr 2023

A fierce battle is expected at the National Stadium when the world’s greatest meet in the 400 metres race during the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix on Saturday.

The 400 metres line up for the men’s race is made up of Botswana’s Isaac Makwala, Bayapo Ndori as well as Leungo Scotch, South Africans; Zakithi Nene, Lythe Pillay as well as Gardeo Isaacs, Kirani James from Grenada and Zambian Samukonga Muzala.

On paper, James is favourite to win the race, but there is no doubt that he will face stiff competition from Muzala, Pillay and the on-form Ndori.

Sunday Standard sport editor, Botlhale Koothopile, said the 400-metre race was the one to watch out for.

“Firstly, this will be Makwala’s last appearance in the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix, since its inception,” he said.

Koothopile said at the same time, it would be a first for many to see him come up against some of the best 400m international track talent on home ground.

He said this would be a befitting send off for this icon, adding it would also be of interest to see him come face to face with the man who has been his nemesis on the track for a long time; James.

He said the Grenada-native was not only an Olympic gold medallist, but one of the most recognised names in 400m.

Koothopile said aside from Makwala and James, spectators would get to witness some of the best African talent in action.

“For me, one athlete to look out for is Samukonga.  

This young man is one of the best emerging talents in 400m and is already a Commonwealth medallist” he said.

He said Samukonga Muzala’s personal best of 44.6 made him a serious contender and it would be interesting to see how he fares against the best.

Koothopile said Botswana had always prided themselves as the 400m talent hub, adding the 400-metre race would afford Batswana an opportunity to see how those taking over from Makwala would compare to the best in the world.

Both Scotch and Ndori, he said, were well talented and had already achieved a lot in their careers, adding they had however been living in the shadows of their luminaries.

He said this, thus would be the time for them to step up and show that Botswana’s 400m legacy would not disappear with Makwala’s retirement.

“Add to these the talent of South Africa’s Lythe Pillay and we already have a strong field.  For those who will be at the stadium, this will be a once in a lifetime experience.  

It is one race which will be looked back on with nostalgia, many years from today,” he said. ENDS