26 Jul 2017

Just few days before the lucrative IAAF World Championships in London, Botswana has suffered a major setback as one of the men’s 4x 400 m relay member, Boitumelo Masilo has sustained an injury.

According to Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) vice president, Kenneth Kikwe the athlete sustained an injury during some competitions at their training camp in Cardiff.

He said they had initially entered six names for the men’s relay, adding that because the entry dead-line for the competition was on July 24 midnight, they had to act swiftly and replace Masilo with 800 metre runner Nijel Amos.

“We are confident that Nijel is a very good replacement looking at his current form, and looking at his programmes at the competition he is going to finish his events the same day with the 400 metres athletes,” he said.

Kikwe said ‘coaches are in agreement that Amos will be what the doctor had prescribed for Botswana’s men’s relay team.’

He however said as BAA they were expecting a better performance in this edition adding that even two medals were attainable.

“Let’s make this clear, we have not set a medal target, but looking at our performance, we definitely stand a very good chance to bring two medals or more,” he said.

Kikwe said they were very happy with their 400 metres men’s athletes, although the women’s were still suspect.

Furthermore, he said judging by the men’s performance it was evident that Botswana could even make it to the podium in the relay.

He said in the 800 metres they were expecting something to come out, looking at Amos’ top notch performance during the Diamond League circuit.

Botswana has sent a star studded team to the Championships amongst them Baboloki Thebe, Isaac Makwala, Karabo Sibanda, Onkabetse Nkobolo and Leaname Maotoanong.

And the women's team comprises Lydia Jele, Amantle Montsho, Christine Botlogetswe, Galefele Moroko, Goitseone Seleka and Oarabile Babolai.

Meanwhile in a recent interview, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng said he was worried about athletes’ injuries.

He said even the team that represented the country at the Olympic Games in Rio team Botswana had injuries.

“If it wasn’t for the injuries, we probably could have brought a medal home, and I think at government level together with other sports stakeholders, we really have to make sure that we look deep into this issue, as to why are we having so much injuries amongst our athletes. Probably is a question of lifestyle,” he said. ENDS