07 May 2017

Hot and humid weather conditions in Doha denied 400 metres runner, Karabo Sibanda to execute his race plan.

Sibanda finished in position four with a time of 45:05 in his debut Diamond League race held at Qatar Sport Club on May 5.

Position one went to Steven Gardiner of Bahamas with 44:60 followed by American LaShwawn Merritt in 44:78. In position three was Tony Mcquay of USA in 44:92.

Sibanda said in an interview after the race that he was happy because he managed to run his best time and was still holding the leading time for the juniors this season.

Talking about the weather, he said it was difficult to cope with the hot and humid weather conditions because back home it was a bit cool, adding that the air was heavy to breathe in.

“But all in all the race was awesome just that the weather was a bit bad, but I managed to finish. Again, to be honest it was hard this time because my coach Mogomotsi Otsetswe wasn’t there, and it was my first time travelling without a coach, and I am not used to that,” he said.

However, athletics analyst, Billy Tambula said Sibanda ran a good race, and that he was running blind to the fastest athletes in LaShwawn, Tony and Steven.

That alone, he said, was difficult for him to run on the blind side given that he was making a debut in the Diamond League.

“You could see that when he got to the last bend that is when he saw both LaShwawn and Steven at the same time. That was where my interest was because I wanted to see if he will panic and fade, but he showed a lot of character because he remained. He even had the energy to kick in the home straight," he said.

Tambula said although Sibanda was under pressure, he stuck to his plans despite three athletes passing him on the last curve.

He said all athletes who finished ahead of him had always been in the Diamond League with Steven and LaShwawn having finished top last season, adding that he was confident that Sibanda would also mature with the meetings. ENDS