16 May 2024

The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has dangled a P5 000 incentive to athletes who will qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games during the Debswana BAA National Championships to be held at the National Stadium from May 17 until May 19.

Addressing the media on May 15, BAA president, Moses Bantsi said such an incentive was intended to embolden athletes to aim for qualifying times so that BAA could send a sizeable team to the Olympic Games that would be held from July 26 to August 11.

Bantsi added that similarly, athletes who would qualify during the national championships for the World Junior Athletics Championships to be held in Lima, Peru from August 27-31, would be awarded the P5 000 prize money.

So far, some athletes who have already qualified for the Paris-bound Olympic Games include Letsile Tebogo in 100m and 200m, Bayapo Ndori, Collen Kebinatshipi and Leungo Scotch in 400m as well as the 4x400m men’s relay, while the duo of Tshepiso Masalalela and Kethobogile Haingura would represent Botswana in 800m.

Meanwhile, a fierce battle is expected over the weekend in the 400m given that some athletes would want to qualify for the Olympics, while others would want to better their times to bolster their position in the 4x400m men’s relay team.

The 400m list comprises Isaac Makwala, Boitumelo Masilo, Collen Kebinatshipi, Anthony Pesela, Kago Seshoka, Keitumetse Maitseo and Omphile Seribe.

Considering the quality of athletes and those who would proceed to the finals, the weekend event would undoubtedly produce good times. While the 400m event is deemed the most competitive of the Botswana races, athletics enthusiasts should also not lose sight of the 200m men’s category, which also comprises Makwala, who would be doubling as well as Scotch, Tumo alias Stagato Van Wyk and Pesela.

Competing in the same category will be Gilbert Hainuca, Elvis Gaseb, Simusi Murere, Magano Naseb, Appols Gregor and Nekundi Onesmus from Namibia.

In the women’s 200m category, defending champion, Tsaone Sebele will meet with Olympics silver medalist, Christine Mboma as well as Hatembu Ndawana, Johanna Ludgerus, Jade Nangula and Kazaatjo Kambiri, also from Namibia.

Other Botswana competitors in the women’s 200m category include Refilwe Murangi, Lydia Jele, Winnie Sarefo, Lone Madzimule, Kelapile Boitshepiso and Tshepang Manyika. ENDS