05 Apr 2018

Botswana athletics team is expected to start competing on Sunday (April 8) at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) has set a target of eight medals which some sport pundits believe is a high target which might be a challenge to achieve.

However, athletics journalist, Bapati Mmotlanyane is of the view that the country’s medal prospects for the games under athletics are very high because of a vastly experienced team , comprising athletes accustomed to the international stage.

He cited sijel Amos as a contender for podium finish. With the defending champion of the 800metres title, Rudisha out of the games it looks likely Amos who had a disappointing spell at the 2017 World Championships will have the title well withn reach.

In the 400m, he said a clean sweep could be on the cards with the trio of Isaac Makwala, Karabo Sibanda and Baboloki Thebe all eying a podium finish.

According to Mmotlanyane, the absence of World Record holder Wayde Van Niekerk presents a fresh opportunity for other quarter-milers to fancy their chances of stealing the show, adding that Javon Francis and Bralon Taplin and the experienced Lalonde Gordon are popular names who form part of the mix to give the local trio a chase for a clean sweep.

However, he said all eyes will be on Makwala for a sweet redemption script.

In the momen’s 400m, he said the country might just secure a single spot in the podium, as Amantle Montsho looks a real international contender.

“But for me, she is still yet to find that cutting edge to outrun the old foe in Stephen McPherson who is a hot favourite for the gold. Galefele Moroko and Christene Botlogetswe for me will have achieved a lot if they can make it to the final and who knows, it could be wide open for the taking,” he said.

Furthermore, he said for the short sprints on paper, Botswana has no chance given the rich talent of sprinters vying for the title in the likes of Yohan Blake and World Leader, Clarence Munyayi who over the years have struggled under the shadow of the great Usain Bolt.

He said given the talent in the duo of Pako Seribe and Karabo Mothibi, a spot in the semi-finals looks likely, adding Seribe who nagging injuries had always denied him a chance to fare at major championships, could see this as a chance to announce himself to the international stage.

“Like Mothibi, Matlhaku’s hopes are very much open, but it will take a couple of monstrous sprints to finish on the podium,” he said

He said for the past couple of years, a contingent of talented quarter-milers have transformed Botswana into a real one lap relay power house, and without a doubt, there is a possible gold in the offing if both teams are fully fit, saying that will also depend on how well they structure the teams.

“For the men’s category, the closest rivals for the gold will be Jamaica, Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago who all boast of equally talented teams,” he said.

Track and field analyst, Billy Tambula said for the first time Botswana’s chances of getting more than four medals are realistic given that the country has sent a relatively stronger team in most of the events.

He said in athletics, four medals are achievable. ENDS