20 Mar 2024

Botswana mixed 4x400m relay team delivered its first medal from international meet, bagging a silver medal at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana on Tuesday.

The team of Collen Kebinathipi, Lydia Jele, Bayapo Ndori and Obakeng Kamberuka made their intentions known by shattering their own National Record of 3:14.36 they set on Monday to register a new record of 3.13.99 finishing behind Nigeria.

The record placed them 12^th in the World Ranking and also put them in Bahamas relay qualifying bracket, which attracts only top 16 ranking teams for Bahamas relay meet set for May.

Although they lost the gold medal just in the finishing line, the Botswana quartet sent a clear message to their opponents.

Kebinatshipi started the relay and handed the baton to Jele on pole position, Jele did not disappoint as she maintained the lead before handing it safely to the experienced Ndori who then opened a big gap, before handing to Kamberuka.

However, the Nigerian anchor leg proved to be more experienced than Kamberuka as she stole Botswana’s gold just when the spectators were celebrating and cheering for Botswana.

Despite losing at the finish line Ndori said the relay team did very well considering that they claimed the National Record and won a medal for the first time in history.

“We did our best, its only that currently Nigeria have strong and experienced women in their team, but it’s a lesson learnt, we will definitely correct that as we move on with other competitions,” he said.

Ndori said if they could continue to compete together, the team would be a hard nut to crack in future.

Kebinatshipi said all the team members were determined to make it to the podium.

“The colour of the medal currently is not a issue. What matters is that we have seen that the mixed relay has a lot of potential and given support, it can bring results such as the 4x400 men’s relay team,” he said.

Meanwhile, a medal eluded Botswana in 100m women, after Tsaone Sebele finished in in position eight with a time of 11.87.

Tlhompang Basele was disqualified for a false start while Motlatsi Rante clocked 55.30 in position eight in women 400m semi-finals.

Omphile Seribe did not proceed to the 400m men final as he clocked 47.28 and finished in position eight.

In the 800m metres final Oratile Nowe finished outside medal position as she clocked 2.01.62. Ends