14 Sep 2015

Team Botswana landed on Sunday (September 13) from the Commonwealth Youth Games, which were held in Samoa where they won two gold medals and a bronze.

The gold medal was won by Karabo Sibanda in the 400 metres flat race, the other gold was won by 4 x100 metres boys relay which was made of Sibanda, long jumper Kabo Mphali, Thabiso Sekgopi and Aobakwe Malau, while Mahommed Rajab Otukile won a bronze medal for Botswana in the 49kg boxing bout.

This is Botswana’s best performance ever at a Commonwealth Youth Games, since in its first CYG in 2008 in Delhi.

The athletes managed to win two bronze medals, and at the Isle of Man in 2011 they won two silver medals

Athletics team coach, Mogomotsi Otsetswe told BOPA that their achievement at the games was a clear indication that Botswana athletics was growing in leaps and bounds.

He said they had long prepared for the competition, and they knew they were going to face strong opponents in Samoa, adding that the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) gave them all the support during the preparations.

Karabo Sibanda on the other hand, said he was happy to have brought gold home, because it was the first one in the history of Botswana at the Commonwealth Youth Games.

He said before departure for the games he told himself that during the competition he would eliminate all the hurdles before him so that, he brings the medal home.

Kabo Mphali said he was happy that his relay team managed to bring a medal home, adding that the competition was tough, and he has learnt a lot therefore if given chance he would continue to represent the country with pride.

Aobakwe Malau, said he enjoyed the race, and everything fell in place, adding that after crashing in their individual flat race, they prepared and focused on the relay.

Thabiso Sekgopi,said he joined the relay team, only team minutes after his 200 metres final, and as a team now they were motivated by Sibanda’ s medal, adding they run the race as a team.

Boxer Mahommed Rajab Otukile, said the competition was tough although he enjoyed it. He said he managed to win a medal because he prepared well, adding that the medal motivated him and he would continue to hoist Botswana’s flag high in all competitions. Ends