28 Mar 2023

 Africa’s fastest 100 metres runner, Ferdinand Omanyala, is coming here for the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix slated for April 29.

The Kenyan sprinter,  also two-time African champion, said in an interview that it was always good to run on home soil, and yes he does consider Botswana home.

Though it will be his first time in Botswana, Omanyala said he had many friends in the country, especially athletes.

“We have been meeting in the Diamond League, continental tours and Commonwealth Games,” he said, adding that he was coming here to run, catch up with friends and interact with people ‘in my quest to know the secret behind producing world class athletes’.

Omanyala, who clocked 9.77 at Kip Keino Classic 2021 in Kenya, said he was happy that World Athletics had given Botswana a chance to host the continental tour, promising to run as fast as possible.

The reigning Commonwealth 100m champion said he was looking forward to a great event.

“I understand I have fans in Botswana, so I am coming to give them a show and very fast time. I am also hoping to go under 9.8 in Botswana,” he said.

Omanyala advised upcoming athletes that running fast time did not come easy, therefore he urged them to never give up.

“They should know athletics is a good sport that gives back when you give it time. You make a lot of sacrifices,” he said.

Meanwhile, there will be no showdown between Omanyala and the World Junior 100m champion, Letsile Tebogo.

Botswana’s sensation will only compete in 200 metres as per coach Kebonyemodisa Mosimanyane’s advice.

However, all is not lost in the 100m battle as some of the world’s great might come for the continental tour.

Some of the athletes who may participate in the event are South Africans Akani Simbine and Emile Erasmus, Jamaican Yohan Blake, Canadian Aaron Brown and Liberian sprinter Emmanuel Matadi.  ENDS