02 Feb 2017

National Stadium track will be on fire on February 5 when athletes from different parts of the country meet in a Botswana Athletics Association(BAA) track and field event.
Some of the top athletes who are expected to compete at the event includes amongst others 400 metres specialist, Onkabetse Nkobolo, Karabo Sibanda, and 800m runner Boitumelo Masilo.
BAA secretary, Legojane Kebaitse said in an interview that the aim of the meeting was to prepare for world competitions, like IAAF World championships, Bahamas relays as well as to spot new emerging talent.                       
“Remember first term in schools is mainly dedicated to athletics. Hence this competition allows them to gauge their athletes as they prepare for BISA National final which will be staged around April, “he said                        
Furthermore, Kebaitse said during the Sunday meeting youth identified in the competition would represent the country at the IAAF Youth Championships in Nairobi, in July.
Jwaneng Athletics coach, Chilume Ntshwarang said they intend to send a very competitive team to the Sunday meet.
He said most of their senior athletes are based in Gaborone, adding according to the information gathered from their respective coaches, the competition would be used as a season opener and to check how far the athletes have gone with their fitness.
“We expect Karabo Mothibi to run the 100m, Boitumelo Masilo to run 1500m, Xholani Talane to run both 100m and 200m. Regarding junior and youth, we have one of two athletes we feel can qualify for Algeria,” he said.                        
Ntshwarang said currently they have some athletes whom they feel can qualify for the Africa junior to be hosted by Algeria
He said the likes of Kagiso Moyuthu, John Matsagopane,Gaone Rakwetla, Gorata Changane are on the edge of hitting the qualifying mark.                       
“We also have senior shot put athlete by the name Moemedi Wakgomo who has a PB of 13.22, and has the intention of breaking Omphile Phokoje’s National Record of 13.77, some names will be surprise packages. We have Kedidimetse Qoma from Hunhukwe who we feel will do well this year,” he said. ENDS