Botswana StormsInto Relay Finals
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday April 24, 2017 14:32
The men’s team cruised into the final after winning their heat comfortably in a time of 3:03:09. In the third heat, the local boys faced rather tough competition from the Jamaicans and the Brazilians. However it turned to be more of a straightforward affair, with Botswana taking command from the outset and never relinquishing the lead. They were led off by Isaac Makwala, who handed over to Karabo Sibanda, leaving them in front of Jamaica at the halfway point. That lead was consolidated by Onkabetse Nkobolo on the third leg, with young star Baboloki Thebe bringing them home to victory in 3:03.09. Jamaica was a close second in 3:03.52, with Brazil coming home third in 3:05.05, enough to see them through as non-automatic qualifiers.
“I think fighting for a medal is definitely possible. In Rio we were fifth and we didn’t have everybody in the team. Now we are coming to full force so we can do it,” Sibanda told the IAAF official website.
It was not an easy task for the local ladies, as they had to settle for a third in the heat. Botswana finished behind Jamaica and European powerhouse Poland. The team was boosted by the return of former world champion Amantle Montsho. However after a shaky laps by Christine Botlogetswe and Lydia Jele, the 34-year-old could only cross the finishing line with a time of 3:31:61. Poland won the heat comfortably. Poland clocked 3:29.42 to win the heat while Jamaica came in second with 3:29.93 to easily claim their spots in the final.
With squad described as the “the best we have ever had” by coach Mogomotsi Otsetswe, Team Botswana have a chance to go for a podium finish in three events as the mixed relay awaits.
*Additional Reporting by www.iaaf.org