21 Mar 2024

Botswana’s 800 metres runner, Tumo Nkape saved what could have been a sombre day for the country as he delivered a bronze medal with a time of 1:46.04 at the ongoing 13^th African Games in Accra, Ghana on Wednesday. 

Nkape was the only Motswana who lined up in the 800 metres race and his approach of showed maturity as he did not panic though it looked tough.. 

During the race, he had to overcome pushing and shoving around from his opponents, who were trying to distract him from reaching his goal. 

In a post race interview, Nkape said  he was happy that he managed to win a medal for the country in the event increasing the medal tally. 

He said the race was tough, as he was shoved around but despite the challenges he managed to focus throughout, as the ultimate goal was to finish on the podium position. 

Meanwhile, the 4x100m men’s relay made up Thapelo Monaiwa, Thuto Masasa, Jayson Mandoze and Calvin Omphile finished in position four with a time of 39.19 in the final. 

Botswana’s dominance in the 400m event was tested as Lydia Jele came in seventh position with a time of 53.05 while Boitumelo Masilo and Ernest Kumevu finished in position five and six respectively with a time of 45.81 and 46.09 in the men’s 400m event.

Kumevu, who was the youngest in the race, said he gained a lot of experience since he was competing with his seniors. 

The 19-years-old, who will be representing the country at the coming World Junior Championships to be held in Lima, Peru from August 27-31, said he had learnt to be composed during the race among other things. 

He said competing at the African Games had given him exposure and also an idea of how to run the rounds in the competition. ENDS