20 Nov 2018

Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has named a team that will represent the country in the Region 5 Youth Games Gaborone 2018.

The games will start from December 6 -16 and athletics will take centre stage from December 11-15 at the newly refurbished National Stadium track.

The associations vice president, Kenneth Kikwe said they had selected 50 athletes. He noted that they encountered some challenges and that they failed to include Bernard Olesitse and Tlhomphang Basele because they were not accredited and expected to pay about US$50 000.

He said the two had represented the country on numerous occasions, and that Basele won a medal in the last games in Angola and was in the reserve senior national team.

He added that they were confident that all athletes who have made it to the final team were capable of representing Botswana.

Among those who have been selected are Zabrone Machara and Thuto Masasa for 100 metres. Both athletes have what it takes to make it to the podium because they are fighters by nature. However, it remains to be seen how they will handle the pressure from their fellow competitors, particularly from South Africa.

A fierce battle is expected in 400 metres as the country has experienced athletes in the mold of Bayapo Ndori, Ditiro Nzamani, Lee Eppie and Onneile Phokedi.

In 400 metres, the coach will be spoiled for choice in the individual event, and the rest will battle it out in the 4x400 metres relay team.

Phokedi, Nzamani and Ndori will approach the games with gusto to show Batswana their potential after failing to compete at the IAAF World U-20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, due to lack of funds.

In 800 metres, there is Tshepiso Masalela who also missed to compete in Tampere. He is also a tough competitor but relaxed in executing his race plan.

In the ladies category, Dorcus Mokitlane, Tshepaone Ngoshe, Laone Moloi and Naledi Lopang are expected to win a medal in 400m. ENDS