Botswana has sent the largest contingent of athletes to the Commonwealth Games, with hopes of a medal haul. Also known as the ‘Friendly Games’, the Commonwealth Games are held every four years and bring together athletes from former British colonies.
The exclusion of some of the nations robs the competition of top stars, particularly from the United States. Team Botswana has made its way to Birmingham, with an initial 36 athletes scheduled to board the plane.
However, there have been disruptions to preparations with Amos and triple jumper, Thalosang Tshireletso failing drug tests and being omitted from the list. Makwala has opted to focus on the Diamond League and will not be part of the team in Birmingham. World U-20 record holder, Letsile Tebogo has flown to Cali, Colombia to take part in the World Junior Athletics Championships, which run from August 1 to 6.
While the cream of athletes is missing in the UK, Botswana still has the outstanding Bayapo Ndori who reached the finals at the World Athletics Championships, which were held in Oregon, the United States (US). Ndori was the surprise package in the US where he eclipsed his much more vaunted counterpart, Makwala.
Tebogo too was the toast as he set the world junior record in the 100m but fell in the semi-finals. This meant Botswana’s 11-year drought at the World Championships continues, with Montsho the only player to bag a medal at athletics’ top competition. Montsho was a champion in Daegu, South Korea when she won gold in the 400m.
The World Championships, present a tougher platform than the Commonwealth Games. At the last competition held in Gold Coast, Australia four years ago, Botswana went on a medal spree, winning five. It was Botswana’s best performance since the country started participating in 1974. Makwala won his first major individual title when he became a Commonwealth Games 400m champion.
However, he has opted against defending his title as he exits the stage on the back of a semi-final withdrawal at the World Championships in Oregon. Botswana won three gold medals, one silver, and one bronze and the team even had the luxury of a one-two finish in the men’s 400m when Makwala crossed the line first, followed by Baboloki Thebe.
Thebe is another absentee in Birmingham as he failed to qualify for the competition. Botswana is represented in eight disciplines although athletics has often been the safest bet for medals. However, the absence of the trusted soldiers has placed a heavy load on the remaining members, with a new hero, other than Ndori, tipped to emerge.
Botswana team Athletics: Tlhomphang Basele (400m), Motlatsi Ranthe (4x400m), Christine Botlogetswe (400m), Lydia Jele (400m), Tsaone Sebele (100m), Oarabile Tshosa (100m), Boitumelo Masilo (800m), Ndori (400m), Anthony Pesela (400m), Zibane Ngozi (4x400m), Leungo Scotch (4x400m), Keitumetse Maitseo (4x400m), Victor Ntweng (400m hurdles), and Wayne Monaiwa (long jump). Judo: Tirelo Lekoko (Under 73kg) and Lauryn Pulamoeng (Plus 78kg). Weightlifting: Kgotla Kgaswane (55kg). Swimming: James Freeman, Maxine Egner, and Adrian Robinson. Bowling: Marea Modutlwa (Fours/Triples), Tshenolo Moshokgo (Fours/Triples), Boikhutso Mooketsi (Fours), and Lesego Motladiile (Fours/Triples).
Boxers: Keamogetse Kenosi (57kg), Aratwa Kasemang (60kg), Lethabo Modukanele (48kg), George Molwantwa (57kg), and Rajab Mohammed (51kg) Cycling: Matlhogonolo Botlhole (Under 23 road and individual) and Gontse Molefhe (elite, road, and MTB) Squash: Leungo Katse and Angel Otshabeng.
