24 Aug 2014

Whilst his companions were busy making their names and stamping their authority in the world of athletics, Obakeng “The King” Ngwigwa opted to be in a lecture room defending his Masters dissertation.

Well for those of you who have been wondering as to where Obakeng was, the “King” is back from Russia where he was pursuing a Masters in Sport Administration at the Russia International Olympic University.

For his master’s degree, Ngwigwa studied courses which included sport tourism, sport organisation, governance and innovative media in sport. He has been out of action, but it is just a matter of time, and he will be back on the track.

Ngwingwa told BOPA that his intention is to start training next month in preparation for next season.

 “I will start competing in the nationals and other competitions offered by Botswana Athletics Association in their calendar.”

The King said his main target is to compete at the coming 11^th All-Africa Games that will be hosted by Brazzaville, Congo next year, and at the World Championships.
 

He is confident that he will qualify for the All Africa Games given that the qualifying standards in the individual races are not tough, adding that he wanted to finish in the top four of the 4x400 relay.

Ngwigwa runs the 200m, 400m and 4x400 metres relay and he executes them well. He admitted that during his entire career, he is yet to discover where his strength is.

“To be honest, I have done very well in all the races and I have received medals in all. I think that it is time now for me to pick my strongest point and maybe concentrate on that specific race,” he said.

According to Ngwigwa, he was inspired by the current African record holder, Isaac “Badman”Makwala.

During their heydays, Ngwigwa used to outclass Makwala in the track, he said, but Makwala is on top form and in good shape. He therefore has to work extra harder to reach the level and fitness of Makwala.

Ngwigwa who was coached by Cuban coach, Sanchez Alberto said he was considering roping in Makwala’s coach, Justice Dipeba and have the opportunity to train with the African champion.

Ngwigwa has represented Botswana at different stages, and who would ever forget the 2007 All Africa Games when the quartet brought home a gold medal in the relay team that comprised; Isaac Makwala, Obakeng Ngwigwa, California Molefe and Zachariah Kamberuka.

In 2004, he won a bronze medal in the 400 metres at the World Junior Championships with a personal best and national junior record of 45.97 seconds.  ENDS