28 Apr 2019

Baboloki Thebe claimed the Gaborone International Meet 400 metres crown ahead of favouratite, Isaac Makwala at the National Stadium on April 27.

Thebe clocked a season best (SB) time of 45.34 followed by Onkabetse Nkobolo with 45.59. On position three was Leungo Scotch with 45.75 and Onneile Phokedi claimed position four clocking 46.25.

On position five was Lee Eppie with 46.56 while Makwala finished on position six with a time of 47.00.

During the race, Thebe commanded the first 100 metres well against his competitors, more especially Mkakwala.

In the last 150 metres, he upped the pace and managed to catch up with the rest of the pack. In the last 100 metres it was clear that Thebe will not settle for less as he again increased his speed into the finish line.

Thebe said in an interviews that he was happy to win the race, and said the race plan was to start fast from the blocks and relax midway, adding that it was something that they had been doing at training.

“I followed the race plan and even though they were ahead of me I never panicked, I relaxed and saved the best for last,” he said. 

Makwala said although he was fit and fresh, he lost the as he was let down by his plan on the day. 

“I lost it in the 200 metres because I was going crazy in that area, so going forward I will look for the right pace,” he said.

In the 400 women, Christene Botlogetswe clocked 52.17 followed by Galefele Moroko with 52.58. On position three was Namibian Tjipekarora Herunga with 53.55.

Tshepiso Masalelela continued her dominance of the 800 metres as she clocked 1:50.16 beating Boitumelo Masilo who finished second with 1:50.95 while South African Henco Uys finished third.

In the 4x100 metres men, position one and two was won by Zimbabwe with a time of 39.55 and 40.62 respectively while BOTESSA finished third with 40.99.

In the 4x100 metres women, Botswana clocked 44.69 to claim position one followed by Zambia with 45.89, position three went to Zimbabwe with 48.12.

Botswana quartet of Bayapo Ndori, Lee Eppie, Ditito Nzamani and Onneile Phokedi won the 4x400 metres relay in 3:06.92 followed by Zimbabwe with BOTESSA claiming position three with 3.08.75. ENDS