28 Apr 2021

All eyes will be on Team Botswana’s 4x400m men’s relay team as they take centre stage at the World Athletics Relays Silesia to be held  at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzow, Poland over the weekend.

With the absence of countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and USA, which have been the local lads’ track nemesis, Botswana is tipped to make it to the podium.

However, track and field analyst, Aobakwe Showa, warned that athletes should not rest on their laurels due to the absence of other countries.

He added that South Africa should not be ruled out  also, as it might pose a great threat based on the recent form.

He said they had a lot of emerging talent, who had sub 46s times, and had done a lot in preparations, unlike Team Botswana, which did not have many competitions either as a team or individually.

Showa said he was confident that the powerhouses would set up for an interesting finale, as many countries also fancy their chances.

He advised the Botswana team not to be overly excited, but be wary of other equally strong nations such as Columbia and France.

The analyst said Botswana should also look out for Belgium, who were the bronze medalist in the Doha 2019 World Championships as they  brought a very strong team with a wealth of experience.

Meanwhile, Show said the 4x400m women relay team had a mammoth task ahead, as they would be facing experienced teams such as Poland, Nigeria and Great Britain, all of whom were seasoned campaigners and boast of experienced athletes.

“On paper, looking at their Personal Best, we have a strong squad, but Galefele Moroko and Christine Botlogetswe are just returning from injuries and the competition might have come too soon for them. But I believe we are strong enough to be finalists and book our spot at the Tokyo Olympics,” he said.

Showa said the 4x100m relay team also had the biggest challenge compared to the other relays, as the 4x100m was mostly won on baton exchange and legs setup, and making it through the heats would  be an achievement for the debutants.

Team Botswana 4x400m men’s team is made up of: Ditiro Nzamani, Isaac Makwala, Boitumelo Masilo, Leungo Scotch, Karabo Sibanda, Bayapo Ndori and Zibane Ngozi.

The 4x100m team is made up of Karabo Mothibi, Letsile Tebogo, Thapelo Monaiwa, Leaname Maotoanong, Thuto Masasa and Koorapetse Lesotlho.

The women 4x400m is made up of Tlhompang Basele, Loungo Matlhaku, Amantle Montsho, Galefele Moroko, Oarabile Babolayi and Oratile Nnowe, while Christine Botlogetswe, Lee Eppie, Matlhaku, Ndori, Ngozi, Nnowe and Karabo Sibanda will alos represent the country in the 4x400m mixed relay. ENDS