30 Aug 2023

Leader of Team Botswana which represented the country at the just ended World Athletics Championships has sang praises to the athletes for their fighting spirit, competitiveness and unity.

Kenneth Kikwe said this when the team arrived back home on Tuesday from  Budapest, Hungary. 

Letsile Tebogo, Collen Kebinatshipi and coach Kebonyemodisa Mosimanyane however, remained behind as they have other competitions in Europe. 

Kikwe said he led a formidable team that was very competitive. 

Most importantly, he said most athletes outdid themselves, amongst them Tshepiso Masalela who finished in the finals in his debut at the championships and Tebogo who two medals.

“All the athletes went there to compete and not to participate, and as their team leader, I would say they have done their part,” he said. 

Coach Chilume Ntshwarang said the competition was intense and one of best world championships, adding that he was happy that he had a very strong team, which left a mark in Budapest. 

Furthermore, he said the only setback was injuries adding that Botswana could have increased the medal tally. 

He said it was imperative that they retain the team as they start preparations for the Olympics as most had already qualified. 

One of the men’s 4x400 metres relay team, Laone Ditshetelo, said exposing athletes to major competitions at a tender age could help build their confidence and instill a sense of competitiveness. 

He said that was evident in the heat where he did not execute himself properly because of anxiety, but said in the finals he managed to calm his nerves after the team members have had a word with him. 

That alone, he said gave him exposure and in the next coming competitions he would be ‘an oiled machine’. 

Oratile Nowe, who was the first Motswana woman athlete to compete in 800m at the world championships, said she was happy with the exposure, adding that in the next competitions she would do better. 

“I think I will surpass my performance. 

I have learnt a lot at the competition which I will take it with me to the next coming competitions,” she said. 

Baboloki Thebe, 400m runner, said he was happy that the world championships helped him to ‘find himself’ as evidenced by his performance. 

He said his mission would be to work very hard so that he qualifies for the Olympics. 

“I think I just need to focus, train hard and everything will fall into place; it’s all about hard work and determination,” he said. 

Talking about their mishap during the 4x400m relay, Thebe said their disqualification was a learning curve, adding that they were also hit hard by injuries otherwise they could have competed with little or no pressure. ENDs