30 Jul 2018

The 21st Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) African Senior Athletics Championships will start tomorrow (August 1) at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Nigeria.

In the last competition, held in Durban two years ago, Botswana managed to accumulate five gold medals, three gold, courtesy of Baboloki Thebe in 400 metres, Nijel Amos in 800 metre and men’s 4x 400 metres.

Karabo Sibanda won a silver in 400 metres after finishing second after Thebe, while Ruri Rammokolodi won a bronze in long jump.

Out of the 21 countries that competed in Durban, Botswana finished on position five and the question is will Team Botswana repeat or surpass their feat.

The team will be without red hot, Isaac Makwala, who finished on position four with a time of 46.58 in Durban and Amantle Montsho due to injuries.

However, some of the athletics pundits, are of the view that despite missing both experienced and veteran athletes, Botswana still has a good chance of improving its medal standings at Africa’s show-piece.

Botswana will be represented by astute athletes amongst them both the 400 metres and 800 metres African defending champions, Thebe and Amos who are tipped to defend their titles at all coast.

Other athletes to watch will be 400 metres, Leungo Scotch and Tsaone Sebele who are seen as Botswana secret weapons, like Thebe and Sibanda in 2016 - little was known about them, but they took Durban by storm winning gold and silver respectively, as well as helping their relay team to win a gold medal.

Christine Botlogetswe is also one athlete who has been maturing with every race. After the Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, she has proven to be very hungry, and looking at her recent performance, it will not come as a surprise if she ascends the podium in Asaba.

Thebe said in an interview that he was aware of higher expectations both at home and Africa as a whole, adding however that he was going to enjoy the race, without any pressure and results will follow.

“I have not been doing very well this season, but I must say I was happy with my London Diamond League race, where I ran my Season Best time of 44.54, so let’s see what Asaba has for me,” he said.

Furthermore Thebe said his mission was to represent his country with pride and dignity, adding that he was praying that he remains healthy during the process so as to make it to the final.

He said once he can make it to the finals, without any hiccups then he would be in a good position to tell if he was bringing it home.

Amos on the other hand, said for him it was always about enjoying each run and appreciating finally being in a better place healthwise.

“So am just out here to enjoy my run, giving my best shot to get this title for the third time now, without any pressure,” he said.

Meanwhile, the championships will be used as qualifier for the coming IAAF Continental Cup Ostrava 2018 to be held in Ostrava, Czech Republic on September 08-09.Team Botswana

100/200m (Women): Loungo Matlhaku and Tsaone Sebele.

100/200m (Men): Keene Motukisi and Karabo Mothibi.

400/4x400m (Women): Christine Botlogetswe, Galefele Moroko, Goitseone Seleka, Loungo Matlhaku and Tsaone Sebele.

400/4x400m (Men): Baboloki Thebe, Leaname Maotoanong, Onkabetse Nkobolo and Leungo Scotch.

800m (Men): Nijel Amos and Boitumelo Masilo. ENDS