Cold weather threatens qualifications
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday June 8, 2024 06:00
The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) will host an invitational track and field series at the National Stadium in Gaborone tomorrow [Saturday], presenting local athletes with an opportunity to book places at this year's Olympics. Ramotswa Athletics Club chairperson, Harold Mosomane, said there is a lot that should be expected on the day although the weather conditions might be unfavourable. “We can only hope for better weather, in terms of temperature and wind to allow athletes to perform to their utmost potential. And we also expect the release of the Cameroon-bound team after the weekend event,” Mosomane said.
“It is the continuation of having Tshepo Kelaotswe overseeing the timing team as it has proved that those who were trained are not at the level of handling it alone. I also expect to witness one of the better times of the year, especially in 400m senior men as athletes look to position themselves for the 4x400m Olympics relay team,” he added. Mosomane said there is also the Africa Senior Championships in Cameroon that coaches and athletes have eyes on, and that makes the Saturday event more exciting while the qualifications for the World Athletics Junior Championships are still open. Jwaneng Athletics Club coach, Chilume Ntshwarang, said it is going to be a tough competition. “I cannot commit myself that much because the weather conditions are not favourable. Maybe personal bests (PB) but I am not sure about qualifications for major championships,” Ntshwarang said. The local event will be followed by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Championships that take place in Douala, Cameroon from June 21 to 26. During the recent Debswana National Championships, athletes failed to post Olympic qualification times.
However, Ernest Kumevu and Sethunya Majama managed to punch their tickets to the World Athletics Under 20 Championships to be held in Lima, Peru in August. This weekend, all eyes are on Oratile Nowe (800m) and the mixed 4x400m relay team's quest to qualify for the Olympics. Nowe takes to the track tomorrow at the National Stadium alongside Lame Nare, Goitseone Seleka, and Thato Teezdani amongst others. Nowe is also expected to take advantage of European races for ranking. Ahead of tomorrow’s race, Nowe is in a better position to qualify for Paris through rankings, as she sits in position 32. However, Botswana has a bad memory from the last two editions of the CAA African Championships after being given questionable times in Asaba and Mauritius. For the mixed relay team, there is a need for fast athletes to push in Douala.
The challenge that Botswana might have is if countries do not enter their mixed relay teams and Botswana will end up going straight to the finals reducing their chances of improving their time and rankings. BAA vice president-administration, Oabona Theetso said the event would be a platform for athletes to continue their attempts to qualify for the Olympics and World Junior Championships. A battle is expected in the women’s 100m as the national champion, Tsaone Sebele attempts to continue her dominance. She faces stiff competition from Winnie Sarefo, Refilwe Murangi, Nancy Buzwani, Obakeng Kamberuka, Boitshepiso Kelapile, and Lone Madzimule. Sparks are expected to fly in the men’s 100m with a strong field that has Sibanda Stensol, Tumo van Wyk, Thuto Masasa, Karabo Mothibi, and Calvin Omphile. Isaac Makwala will take to the field in the 400m alongside Kago Seshoka, Clifton Meshack, Lundi Pinaemang, and Kabelo Shabane. Seshoka pulled out of the 400m final during the national championships due to an injury. In another exciting 400m heat, Omphile Seribe recently clocked a new personal best (PB) of 45.69s in South Africa. He is expected to carry his fine form when he meets Boitumelo Masilo, Victor Ntweng, Zibane Ngozi, and Keitumetse Maitseo.