17 Mar 2024

Botswana athletics team just had to make its mark as it arrived for the African Games competition and strolled the Athletes Village at Ghana University on March 15.

The team starts to compete today (March 18) and judging by the reception from other nations, one is safe to say, Team Botswana are the favourites in the track and field competition.

The presence of Bayapo Ndori and Leungo Scotch, who are Olympic 4x400 metres bronze medallists, has undoubtedly sent shivers down the spines of their opponents.

However, that would be discovered today as they start their heats in different events and then again, athletes are mindful of the fact that Africa would be watching them.

In an interview, South African-based Oratile Nowe said she was aware that Africa would be gawking at the Botswana team.

She however said the team had prepared well for the games while her aim was to qualify for the Olympics as she competed here in Accra.

“I anticipate that the competition will be very tough. Therefore chances are that we might register good times that would enable me to hit the qualifying mark,” she said.

The 4x400m men’s relay team member, Scotch said the fact that they were the best in Africa would not make them to rest on their laurels.“You know athletics is a tricky code. You do not relax because if you do, anyone can shock you. So the most important thing is to focus,” Scotch said.

He said he was not anticipating an easy competition, particularly because Botswana would be the main target, owing to the fact that their relay team had been representing Africa in major competitions and doing well.

The team’s captain, Boitumelo Masilo said athletes were in good shape and had been waiting for the athletics starting gun to go off.

“As we start our competition today, I am confident that all the athletes are ready because we have been working very hard.

Remember this meet is a qualifier event and I won’t be surprised when some athletes better their Personal Best times and ultimately qualify for the Olympics,” Masilo said.Coach Meleko Ndolo said the team was in good shape and athletes had been preparing well for the African Games.

“The team is self-motivated. Those who were yet to qualify for the Olympics would like to hit the qualifying mark, but I told them to take it easy, enjoy their race and the rest will take care of itself,” Ndolo said. ENDS