11 May 2026

Some of the athletes representing the country at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships are hopeful that they will do well and improve on their last edition performance.

The Championships, which start today, end on Sunday, is held at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra.

Botswana has fielded a formidable team made up of experienced and youthful athletes who knows the importance of hoisting the flag high.

Bhekimpilo Eppie, who won a silver medal in the last edition, and Obakeng Kamberuka, who made it to the final, are some of the athletes, Botswana is banking on to bring glory to the country.

Eppie said his intention was do well and improve on his last edition performance.

“In the last edition, I went there carrying 45 under my belt, so this time I have been working very hard, I am going there with a sub-45,” he said.

He said his competitors at the Championships were strong athletes adding that he would need to remain focused so as to be able to perform to the best of his ability.

Obakeng Kamberuka was confident and ready for the Championships.

“The Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 are behind and were a lesson and now I am going for an examination in Ghana. I think I am in a good shape. I am strong contender for a podium finish,” she said.

The upcoming 400m runner Justice Oratile said he has been preparing very well, and his body was responding well.

He said he was not under any pressure and he would execute the race plan as instructed by the coaches.

Prince Selepe said it was always an honour to represent his country, adding that he was aware of the nation’s hope on them.

“I will therefore do my best. The most important thing is to focus and to remain calm, the rest will then follow,” he said.

The team’s assistant coach, Nico Manyapedza said training had been going well.

However, he said it might be a bit of a challenge to defend the 4x400m men’s relay title.

He said countries were given a small quota and did not have reserve for the relays, which he added would drain athletes.

“Athletes will be going through the round in their individual races and also expected to compete in relays. We will not have any fresh legs, but we will see,” he said. ENDS