13 Sep 2018

Mayor of Gaborone, Kagiso Thutlwe, was amongst Batswana who welcomed 400 metres athlete, Baboloki Thebe at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport on September 12.

Thebe was from Czech Republic, where he represented Africa in 200m, 400m and 4x400m mixed relay in the IAAF Continental Cup.

He finished on position seven with a season best time of 20.79 in 200 metres. He won a silver medal with 45.10 in 400 metres and helped 4x400 metres mixed relay  team to win silver after clocking 3:16.19.

Thutlwe said he had found it paramount to welcome athletes who represented Africa at the Continental Cup. 

“Unfortunately they used separate flights, but I had wanted to tell them, that they are all special, as they continue to market Botswana at the international stages,” he said.

He said, just like, Olympics and Commonwealth Games, Continental Games were equally important since the continent had pinned their hopes on three Botswana athletes.

For his part, Thebe said he was honoured to be welcomed by the mayor at the airport, which he said showed that he appreciated what he did on track.

“It came as a surprise, but such small things motivate us as athletes, because it is also pleasing to be welcomed and be celebrated by your own,” he said.

Thebe said he had learned a lot at the Continental Cup, given that it was his first time to compete there. He said the competition encouraged team work, and had given them an opportunity to interact as African athletes. 

“In my opinion I think the Continental Cup which is held every four years is not all about competition and money. From what I have observed it encouraged and improved improve sportsmanship amongst athletes,” he said.

He said as Team Africa they saw themselves as teammates not as rivals, and their rivals were athletes from three continents they were competing against.

“All in all I have good memories, and my highlight was when Team Africa technical team approached me to represent a Nigerian sprinter Ejowvokoghene Divine Oduduru in 200 who did not make it to the competition,” he said. 

He said to him it was mission accomplished for the season, as his aim was to win a medal at the Africa Senior Championships and Continental Cup. ENDS