24 Mar 2021

Local sprinters proved their buoyancy in sprints by dominating the first Athletics South Africa (ASA) Athletix Invitational Meet held in Ruimsig Athletics Stadium in Roodepoort on Tuesday.

Despite absence of competitions locally due to COVID 19, the local athletes proved their mettle as Tlhomphang Basele led the pack in the 400 metres women, heat one with 54.20 while Oarabile Babolayi finished on position four with 55.08

400 m heroine Amantle Montsho repeated Basele’s feat finishing in position one in the second heat, with a time of 53.78 followed by her compatriot Oratile Nowe with 53.99.

Tsaone Sebele finished second in women 100 metres with a time of 11.74.

In the 400 metres men, Ditiro Nzamani finished in position one with 45.27, while Isaac Makwala finished fourth with 46.82.

In an interview after the race, Nzamani said he was happy with his performance, though the race was tough given that, he had been inactive.

He said the other thing that might hamper him to clock a better time was wind, which he said was strong.

Nzamani however said his Season Best (SB) time of 45.27 was not that bad, and optimistic that with more competitions, he could clock good times.

“My aim is to beat sub 45, but I have another race on Saturday, let’s hope I will have recovered, and in good shape so that I can better my time,” he said.

Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) vice president Oabona Theetso said they were happy with the athlete’s performance.

“Remember we were suspended by Botswana National Sports Commission so we have not been active for the whole month, so for our athletes to go this far, I would say it is promising,” he said.

Theetso said Nzamani’s time was encouraging, adding that with more races he could better the time, and ultimately qualify for the Olympics.

Meanwhile, the athletes will compete in Boksburg on Saturday, and return to Ruimsig on Tuesday. ENDS