07 Feb 2024

World Athletics-appointed technical delegate, Pieter De Jager has been impressed with Botswana athletics equipment but said in future something must be done with the track.

De Jager, who is the 2024 Botswana Golden Grand Prix technical delegate, was in the country to inspect facilities and equipment to be used during this year’s Botswana Golden Grand Prix to be held on April 14.

De Jager told BOPA that the inspection went well and his meeting with the organisers was fruitful given that they had to ensure that everything was in place.

“I did the track inspection on Tuesday, and I think there are a few things they must do, but all in all they will be in a good position to host the meet,” he said.

He said the track was old, with a lot of patches adding that there were a few places that needed to be given attention.

He pointed out that though the state of the track was not a train smash, he recommended that, funds permitting, the track should be resurfaced.

He said he was impressed by the fact that Botswana had new equipment, adding that he was confident that the country would deliver a successful meet, and it was all system go.

“I looked at the hurdles; they are in good condition.

The high jump mat also was okay, shot put equipment is also fine, as well as the high jump pit,” he said.

Botswana Golden Grand Prix organiser Glody Dube said after the facilities’ inspections he was confident that the meet would go smoothly.

In the last edition, the meet attracted crème de la crème of track and field including amongst other 100 metres Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya, veteran 400 metres runner 400m runner Kirani James and American Sha’Carri Richardson.

Dube said this year as well they would leave no stone unturned in luring top athletes to compete in Botswana. ENDS