09 Sep 2015

Botswana’s 4 x100 relay team has scooped a gold medal at the on-going Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa.

The quartet made up of Kabo Mphali, Karabo Sibanda, Thabiso Sekgopi and Aobakwe Malau beat countries such as Australia and Nigeria who were strong in the individual sprints.

Botswana clocked 41:94 to scoop gold, followed by Australia with 42:67 while bronze went to Nigeria with 42:68.

In boxing, Mahommed Rajab Otukile won a bronze medal in the 49kg.

The results sealed Botswana’s best performance ever at the Commonwealth Youth Games, since its first participation in New Delhi in 2008 where Botswana won two bronze medals. 

In the Isle of Man in 2011, they won two silver medals.

Botswana National Olympic, chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho, who accompanied the team at the Pacific Island, said they were proud of the performance of boys’ relay team who defied all odds and scooped a gold medal.

The Samoa team was made up of 2 x 100/200m runners, a 400m specialist and a long jumper and they all outdid themselves.

Serufho said Sibanda, who started the relay blasted off the blocks like his life depended on it, to ensure Botswana was already within the leading pack by the end of the first turn, before handing the baton to Sekgopi who also did not disappoint and he handed to Malau, and long jumper Kabo Mphali delivered at the end as he managed to maintain the lead.

Still in Samoa, in the ladies category, 800 metres runner Thandi Eurimuna got position six clocking 2:21, in 200 metres semi-finals, Refilwe Murangi recorded 26:56 and finished on position six while in 100 metres hurdles Kgalalelo Tlalanyane got position six recording her Personal Best of 14:76.

In the men’s 200 metres category, Sekgopi got position six recording his new Personal Best of 21:46 while Malau finished on position eight with 21:73.

Meanwhile at the on-going African Games held in Congo Brazzaville, Botswana is increasing their medal standing, as Merilynn Manthe won bronze medal in female Kumite- 68 kg.

Other athletes who won medals in Karate are Lame Hetanang of under 50kg who won a silver medal, while Thato Malunga under 55kg got bronze medal in Kumite. 

In Kata, Ofentse Bakwadi won a bronze medal and swimmer Naomi Ruele won a silver medal in the 50 metres backstroke.ENDS