31 May 2016

Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has named a formidable team that will compete in the 20th Africa Senior Championships penciled for  Durban, South Africa from June 22 -26.
BAA did not leave anything to chance as they have selected top notch athletes to represent the country in the Africa show piece.

In 2014, Botswana only managed to win six medals; four gold medals won by high jumper Kabelo Kgosiemang, Nijel Amos, Isaac Makwala and 4x400 men’s relay. Makwala also won silver in the 200 metres whereas bronze was won by 4x400 women relay.

This time, Botswana is expected to win even more medals looking at the pool of athletes they are intending to send to the championships. BAA, secretary Legojane Kebaitse said their intension was to surpass any previous standing.

“I can’t say how many medals we are going to win, but we are aiming for more; remember that is our best team ever, but I will give you the number of medals around June 18 after the assessment of the whole team, “he said.

He further said preparations are going well  and  Olympic bound team and those near qualification are on camp, adding that the rest of the Africa bound team will assemble on June 17 for departure. Kebaitse said they expected tough competition in Durban, though adamant that the weather may work for Botswana athletes.

He said Gaborone is 1010 metres above sea level while Durban is 21metres, adding that that alone could be advantageous to Team Botswana under given temperature averaging 21/13 during the competition period.

Women’s team 100m: Leungo Matlhaku and Ontiretse Molapisi; 200m: Leungo Matlhaku, Ontiretse Molapisi; 400m Christine Botlogetswe, Lydia Jele; 1500m: Mema Tiango, Same Motlwa; 5000m: Mema Tiango, Onneile Dintwe; Women 4x100m relay: Leungo Matlhaku, Ontiretse Molapisi, Geselio Mokokwe, Goitseone Seleka; 4x400m women’s relay: Christene Botlogetswe, Goitseone Seleka, Galefele Moroko, Kgalalelo Gabobitswe, Leungo Matlhaku

Men’s team 100 m: Karabo Mothibi, Keene Motukisi; 200m: Karabo Mothibi, Isaac Makwala.

400m BabolokiThebe, Karabo Sibanda, Isaac Makwala; 800 m: Nijel Amos, Boitumelo Masilo;1500m: Slyvester Koko, Godiraone Nthomphe, 5000m Sebeso Matlapeng.
4x100m men’s relay: Keene Motukisi, Karabo Mothibi, Leaname Maotoanong, Thabo Motsokono, Ditiro Sebele; 4x400m men’s relay: Karabo Sibanda, Baboloki Thebe, Leaname Maotoanong, Isaac Makwala, Nijel Amos and Onkabetse Nkobolo.

Javelin: Stephean Beukes, Pako Tsapo; Long Jump: Simon Madowa, Goabaone Mosheleketi; High jump: Gobe Takubana and Kabelo Kgosiemang. Ends