20 Jul 2017

Botswana’s 400 metres finest runners, Baboloki ‘Hurricane’ Thebe and Isaac Makwala are expected to hoist the country’s flag high at Monaco Diamond League this evening.

The entry list also comprises Teddy Atine Venel of France, Jamaican Demish Gaye, Slovakian Luka Janezic, and Vernom Norwood and Gil Roberts of USA.

The local lads will face tough competition from South African Wayde Van Niekerk, who has proven to be a hard nut to crack in the 400 metres event.

However, if Makwala’s recent form is anything to go by, then the spectators will be treated to a spectacle at the Stade Louis II.

Just recently at the Madrid World Challenge, Makwala managed to record impressive times in both 400m with a Season Best of 43.92 and 200m with a World Lead time of 19.76.

As for Thebe, he is one athlete who has a very thick skin.

He is never intimidated by big names in the track.

He is  currently leading the  400m Diamond League log with 29 points, and this evening he will fight to prove that he is not at the top of the log by fluke.

The shy and modest Ramonaka born has shown signs of consistency in the circuit and he poses a serious threat to both Makwala and Van Niekerk.

Sport journalist, Bapati Mmotlanyane said "strong field it is, a tasty race on prospect. But I think it will be between Africa’s trio, they are all in good form and building up that confidence."

Further, Mmotlanyane said it would be interesting to see if Makwala and Thebe can challenge Wayde, with Makwala at the back of a historic feat his confidence might just be enough to give him that kick.

“The positive thing I picked is that Makwala has really worked hard on his finishing, which has been a subject of discussion from his critiques. On the other hand, Van Niekerk needs points so badly so it is no secret he will bring his A-game, which can be very good for the rest of the field to drag them all along to impressive times,” he said.

As for Thebe, Mmotlanyane said the athlete seems to be getting better and better and balancing his rhythm of consistency, which has kept him at the summit of the league standings to date. ENDS