13 Jul 2021

A trio that is part of Team Botswana left for Japan today. Amantle Montsho, Baboloki Thebe and Anthony Pesela had been left behind because they had not taken a second jab of COVID-19 vaccine.

Athletics assistant coach, Kemonyemodisa Mosimanyane, who accompanied the trio, said they would be happy to join rest of the team at their base in Yokohama, Japan.

He said athletics association had done its best to gear up for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, adding that they were content with preparations.

Mosimanyane said athletes were raring to go and fully aware they would be facing competitors who had been competing indoors and holding trials as part of the preparations.

As for the relay team, he said, it was one of the fastest that Botswana ever had, adding that those who made it to the team were  capable of splitting sub 45.

“So in our relay, we are hoping for a very good time. We have a balanced team,” he said

Thebe, who is going to compete in the 4x 400 men’s relay, said they aimed for a podium finish. He said the team, which was made up of Isaac Makwala, Leungo Scotch, Pesela, Zibani Ngozi and Bayapo Ndori had potential to cause an upset at the Olympics.

Pesela, who would be making his debut at the Olympics,  said he was going to learn from his peers. He said his desire was for the country to win a medal, adding that should the coach give him a chance, he would do his best to help the country make it to the podium.

Montsho, who would be running in the women's 400 metres, said Tokyo 2020 was her last Olympics, therefore her target was to reach the finals.

“I do not want to talk about medal target because I cannot say I am fully prepared, as you might be aware COVID-19 has disrupted our plans,” she said. Ends