29 May 2018

The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) national championships which were held in Lobatse over the weekend unearthed athletes who will fill the gap left by the country’s ageing runners in future.

The athletics community has been doubting the commitment of the association in grooming upcoming athletes who will replace the likes of Isaac Makwala, Nijel Amos and Amantle Montsho.

But the combined national track and field competitions comprising seniors, juniors and youth has proved that the juniors and youth who clocked good times could continue to be the country in the world map in athletics.

The associations president, Thari Mooketsi said he was happy with the athletes’ performance.

“I think we have now closed the gap. Remember people have been worried that it was not clear as to which athletes would take over from the current crop of athletes. But what I can tell you is that we have identified a pool of athletes during the championships, and they are promising,” he said.

Furthermore, he said he was impressed by the junior athletes who managed to clock a time of 46 seconds in 400 metres, adding that the future was bright for Botswana athletics considering that they were only 18 years.

Mooketsi said even in 100 metres, they were promising hence they would make sure that they were retained and nurtured in their different structures.

He said in field events a lot still needed to be done, adding that he was cognizant that field events were still lagging behind.

Mooketsi noted that track events were a specialised field that required a specialised coach, hence they had a meeting with IAAF governance structure to see how they could assist them.

“We will take up the issue with the IAAF president, Lord Sebastian Coe when he visits Botswana. If they can second a field coach to Botswana for a year at least, we can see a lot of improvement in that area,” he said.

Track and field analyst, Billy Tambula said this year’s edition was dominated by the juniors. 

“The boys and girls recorded very good times, especially quarter milers. We have two or more junior girls dipping below 58. Even though no one was able to hit the qualifying standard time for Tempere 2018 in this category, the time was very impressive,” he said.

Tambula said on the boys’ side, Ditiro Nzamani and Onneile Phokedi clocked impressive times.

He said in the girl’s category, Lame Nare, who was running 3 000 metres, and Oarabile Tshosa (110 metres and (200 metres), were amongst athletes who raised their hands and would take the baton from the current senior team.

“Even though we continue to show signs of good upcoming athletes, what is an eye sore it that the field events are still lagging behind,” he said. ENDS