11 Sep 2014

Three Botswana athletes have made the cut in the IAAF Continental Cup that will be held in Marrakech, Morocco on September 13.

The four teams that will compete in a two-day event are Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Team Africa was selected at the 2014 African Championships that were held in Marrakech on last month while Team America and Team Asia-Pacific were selected by their rakings. Team Europe was picked during the 2014 European Championships that were held in Zurich last month.

On the 800m, Africa will pin its hope on Botswana’s finest, Nijel 'Zoro' Amos and Ethiopian Mohammed Aman. In the 400m, Botswana’s and African 400m record-holder Isaac 'Badman' Makwala and Wayde Van Niekerk are expected to represent Africa well in the race.

Makwala will also represent the continent again in the 200 metres together with the Ivorian Wilfried Hua Koffi. For the 4 X 400m relay, Africa has sent a strong team comprising of Makwala, Niekerk, Kenyan Boniface Mucheru, and Zambian Saviour Kombe.

Botswana’s Kabelo Kgosiemang and Fernand Djoumessi were selected to represent the continent in the high jump. Amos said he was honoured to represent the continent saying his good performance at the African Senior Championships earned him a space in the African team.

He said it will be his first time to compete in a continental cup. “I know Amantle Montsho and Kgosiemang once competed there in 2010 and Amantle won. I think this is a big stage now to represent Africa at large. I am happy about it,” he said.

Although fatique has taken its toll, Makwala said he was excited to have been picked to represent the continent and aims to win the competition.

Makwala who had a hectic and long season, said he is prepared to face his opponents at Marrakech. ENDS