23 Apr 2015

Botswana’s women 4x400 metres relay team has left for Bahamas where they will compete in the IAAF World Relays from May 2 to 3.

Team Botswana is made up of captain, Lydia Jele, Goitseone Seleka, Loungo Matlhaku, Christine Botlogetswe and Oarabile Babolayi who is based in the United States of America.

Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) public relations officer, Roland Masalila, who is also the team manager, said the relays were a platform for nations to qualify for the World Championships that would be held in Beijing, China, and the Rio 2016 Olympic games.

He said for  the team to qualify for the two competitions, they had to finish in the top eight. Masalila said he was confident that the ladies team would impress.  He said the team was leaving without Amantle Montsho who was still serving a suspension.

Masalila noted that they were outside the top 20 in the world, adding that they hoped the team would qualify. Meanwhile, the men’s relay team would be represented by Sakaria Kamberuka, Isaac Makwala, Leaname Maotoanong, Pako Seribe and Onkabetse Nkobolo.

The PRO said the 800 metres Commonwealth gold medalist, Nijel Amos was not part of the team because he was recovering from an injury. He said he was confident that the men’s team would also qualify.

“If you remember, all of them recorded sub 46, so we are hoping for a top eight place,” he said. Masalila noted that they were sending the same team that took position one in Kenya in relay trials, except for Unoda Keetiles.

He said before reaching Bahamas, both teams would pit their strength against big guns such as the USA, Jamaica and China at the World Penn Relays to be held in America on Friday.

While in Bahamas, Team Botswana will come face-to face with defending champion’s, the USA.Meanwhile, the youth team left for Mauritius on Monday where they will compete in the second Youth Championships which starts today until Sunday.

The boys’ team that will represent Botswana in different fields is made up of Karabo Sibanda, Aobakwe Nkobela, Aobakwe Malau, Kagiso Moyuthu, Thabiso Sekgopi and Outule Sebele while the girls’ team is made up of Refilwe Murangi, Bogadi Dipholo, Thato Sejene and Kedumetse Ramokate. ENDS