01 May 2018

Batswana athletes who just returned from the 2018 Commonwealth Games, lived to expectation as they spiced the Gaborone International Meet on April 29.

Isaac Makwala, who was the meet’s favourite, did not disappoint spectators as he stormed to the finish line with a time of 20.10 in the 200 metres.

During the race, Makwala enjoyed home ground advantage as he kicked for the block in the event running his curve like a jet without giving his opponents a chance to challenge him in the back straight.

On position two was Zambian internationals Sydney Siame and Chidamba Hazemba who clocked 20.26 and 21.22 respectively, while another Botswana’s athlete Thabo Motsokono finished sixth with a time of 21.47.

Makwala said in an interview that he was happy to run on home soil with multitudes rallying behind them, adding, “I was running for the nation and small children who are just ‘crazy about Makwala.’”

In the 200m women’s final A Premium, Christene Botlogetswe also did not disappoint the crowd who earlier on erupted into loud cheer when she was introduced.

Botlogetswe showed that she meant business this season owing to her composure on track, applying all the 200m dash in the curve through to the finish line with a Persona Best time of 23.14.

Behind her was Loungo Matlhaku in 23.71 and South Africa’s Alyssa Conley (23.97) in second and third spots respectively.

In the 400m women’s meet, Amantle Montsho continued to send clear message to the world that she is still the finest when she won the final A Premium in 51.19.

It would seem the 400m expert had been doing something right during her training with some sign of improvement in her techniques with strong finishes. Second after Montsho was Zambian athlete, Quicy Malekani with 52.04, while on position three was Galefele Moroko in 54.27.

Montsho said in an interview that she did not have a race plan but hers was just to compete in the local meet to entertain spectators.

“We have not yet recovered from the Commonwealth Games, but I am very happy with the way I ran today,” she said.

 Boitumelo Masilo won the men’s 800m with a time of 1:46.44 and following him were Simon Mohlosi (1:47.15) and Gorata Gabankitse (1:49.15) on second and third positions respectively.

The 100m final C Promotional saw Amon Kusekwa stealing the show from Mompoloki Powane as he finished on position one clocking 10.89, while the latter finished second with 10.91 followed by Rebeilwe Thwanyane with 10.96. Sylvester Koko won the 5000m men’s final classic with 14:28.53.

Rapula Diphoko finished second in 14:33.21 while Badboy Toka of Lesotho clocked 14:52.21 to claim the third spot.

In the field events, Gobe Takobana and Tshwanelo Adobe both jumped 2.10 metres while Pilane Mosielele won bronze after recording a 1.85m jump. ENDS