18 Apr 2013

Sportsview Athletics Club will host the second track and field event at UB stadium over the weekend.

In an interview, Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) spokesperson, Ipolokeng Ramatshaba said only athletes invited to compete will be allowed to take part.

Therefore, he explained that they have extended invitations to only athletes who have been excelling locally and internationally in the past races.

Ramatshaba also said their aim was to have best athletes compete against each other as well as alongside experienced ones to prepare for international competitions.

Also, he said Botswana’s best athletes expected to compete included 800m Olympic silver medallist Nigel Amos, Isaac Makwala, Yatea Kambepera and Goitseone Seleka.

However, he stated that Amos’ coach, John Verster had informed them that the athlete would only compete in the 400m race because it formed part of his assessment on the athlete owing to their new relationship.

Ramatshaba indicated that they have also invited athletes from South Africa and Namibia who took part in the first competition.

Also, he said the event was thumbed up by BAA and also recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

He added that it would be used as qualifying meet for the World Athletics Championships scheduled for August.

This is the first track and field event to be hosted in Gaborone this year and therefore expecting a large turn up. It would also serve as build up for the national championship coming next weekend,” he noted.

He said the inaugural Sportsview track and field event was successful and hence they expect it to be more interesting this year. ENDS