14 Jan 2020

Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has assembled a 22-member team for the Tokyo 2020 preparatory camp.

This is despite Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) having targeted to send at least 15 athletes to the Olympics.

However, only the trio of Nijel Amos, Galefele Moroko and Christine Botlogetswe have qualified to date.

The track and field  qualification deadline has been set for June 29, hence BAA  setting up camp to give other athletes an opportunity to hit qualifying times and for those who qualified to start preparations.

The camp has included 400 metre runners: Baboloki Thebe, Karabo Sibanda, Onkabetse Nkobolo and Leungo Scotch, Ditiro Nzamani and Isaac Makwala.

 For 800 metres, Nijel Amos and Tshepiso Masalela have been called, in the 110m hurdles it is Kemorena Tisang; long jump, Thapelo Monaiwa and high jump, Same Lebelonyane, Tshwanelo Aabobe and Kabelo Kgosiemang.

Women athletes include veteran; Amantle Montsho, Christine Botlogetswe, Galefele Moroko, Golekanye Chikanyi, Oarabile Babolai, Oratile Nowe, Rose Sename, Tlhompang Basele and Tsaone Sebele.

Coach Kebonyemodisa ‘Dose’ Mosimanyana said in an interview that they had called the camp just to access the athletes and see if those who were injured last season had recovered.

“We also want to access their fitness. Remember that quite a number of athletes were nursing injuries last season, while others were on rehabilitation,” he said.

Mosimanyana said they had called even those who did not qualify for the Olympics so as to help them hit the qualifying mark, adding that most of the athletes were promising.

He said he was happy that, the athletes were working hard.

The Olympics would be held from July 24 to August 9 in Japan and a total number of 11 091 athletes would be expected to compete at the New National Stadium. ENDS