28 Jul 2019

Despite its reputation in the 400m race, Botswana is yet to do well in the 100m races.

Botswana boasts of top class athletes in the likes of Baboloki Thebe, Isaac Makwala, Leungo Scotch, Bernard Oleseitse and Onkabetse Nkobolo in 400m.

In fact, there is always a representation at major competitions; be it the Commonwealth Games, Olympics or World Championships in the 400m category.

However, the same cannot be said about the 100m category.

The development, according to the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Southern Africa Region 5s secretary general, Aleck Skhosana is worrying, saying Botswana had the strongest programme for women in Africa and must be visible in events like 100m and 200m.

He said in an interview that Botswana’s performance should be among the top four in Africa, after South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Skhosana reckoned the country had a balance in men and women and should capitalise on that.

“Botswana always wins medals in different competitions and this alone shows that there is a lot of potential,” he said.

Skhosana, who is also Athletics South Africa president, said the onus was on Botswana Athletics Association to ensure  that there was coordination.

He said support for coach and athletes should be a priority.

He said there was also a need to train more coaches who would focus on developing more athletes.

Botswana with her population, he said had potential of being celebrated provided there was coordination, acknowledgement of the work done by coaches and inspired athletes.

“Should Botswana do that, they will be giants in Africa and the world.

He said the fact that other athletes won a medal in the 4x400m race at the Commonwealth Games was an indication that they could do better in the 4x100m relay. Ends