25 Jul 2024

 The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) president has appealed to the private sector to offer financial assistance to athletes who will be competing at the World Athletics Junior Championships to be held in Lima, Peru from August 27-31.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Moses Bantsi said their intention was to take a total of 12 athletes to compete in 200m, 400m, women’s 4x100m relay, men’s 4x400m relay and 4x400m mixed relay. 

BAA, he said called for generous contributions from all sectors to ensure that their athletes reached their full potential like their counterparts in the developed countries. 

Bantsi said every contribution would get them closer to their goal. 

“I think we should not put everything in the hands of  government, which already made tremendous contributions to the development of sports in the country,” he said.  He said it was important for the business community to invest on the youthful team as it was full of future Olympians. 

“Therefore, it is very important that they be given the full support to prepare as early as now and will be assured of producing great gems in the coming years,” he said 

Meanwhile, the ladies team is made up of Sethunya Majama, who will be competing in the 100m and 4x100m relay. Same Mohutsiwa, Kebonye Otela, and Wedu Matiwe will compete in the 4x100m relay while Warona Thonisani and Bogoma will compete in the 4x400m mixed relay. 

The men’s team comprises Ernest Kumevu, Thabang Monngathipa, and Keorapetse Oreokame, who will compete in the 200m, 400m, and 4x400m relay. 

Selaka Lefatshe, Justice Oratile, and Fredrick Mathathi will compete in both 4x400m relay and 4x400m mixed relay. ENDS