04 Feb 2024

Norman Chibane of Jwaneng Athletics Club demonstrated his prowess in the senior men long jump category, taking the top spot by an impressive 7.25m at the Botswana Athletics Association track and field Series 2 in Francistown on Saturday.

Though, he could not reach the 7.8m to qualify for the World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games, Chibane’s jump solidified his status as one of Botswana’s top athletes.

He put on a stunning display of skill and athleticism.

Tlhalefo Ramatala of Orapa Athletic Club, who came second with 7.15m was a threat to him, despite having committed few overstepping mistakes.

Both athletes displayed incredible talent but Chibane was determined to give it his all and his focused and disciplined approach was evident throughout.

Meanwhile, several athletes who took part in the long jump expressed dissatisfaction of lack of coaches in the field events.

Tebogo Moepeng of BIUST Athletics Club said there was a need for more coaches specialising in field events, noting that it was difficult for athletes to reach their full potential without access to this specialised training.

“Lack of field coaches is the major reason why we fail to qualify for international events,” he said.

Moepeng said more action was needed to have more coaches adding that local athletes would continue to face challenges in qualifying for international events.

“It is not just about natural talent. We need the right kind of training and guidance to reach the next level,” he said.

That being tha case, Moepeng said he had tried other means of addressing issue of lack of coaches in Botswana.

He said he was working with a Chinese national who sent him a training programme each week which he followed on his own.

“He has been a huge help. Even though we are not in the same country, he has given me the tools I need to improve my skills and reach my goals,” said Moepeng.

He explained that the use of technology to facilitate remote coaching was an innovative solution that could benefit other athletes in Botswana.

Moepeng’s experience is not unique, as another long jump athlete, Phenyo Oageng of Orapa Athletics Club, shared similar sentiments.

“I coach myself. I do my own research and try to improve my skills on my own. It is not ideal, but it is the only option I have at the moment,” he said.

Oageng’s hope’s is that in the future, there will be more opportunities for field athletes to access proper coaching.’

The two athletes highlighted the need for more support and resources for field athletes in Botswana, so that they could reach their full potential and compete on international stages.  ENDS