Keitsile leads Bots team to CANA Zone 4
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday April 16, 2022 06:00
Keitsile will be making his second appearance at the championships. He competes fresh from the South Africa National Aquatic Championships that were held in Gqeberha where the Propellers Swimming Club member registered for six races. In his first race the butterfly 50m, Keitsile clocked 27.25, while in the freestyle he recorded 26.66.
He registered 2:25.16 in the 200m freestyle with another 2:37.74 in the individual medley. He then stopped the clock at 1:02.21 in the 100m butterfly with 58.41 in the 100m freestyle. Keitsile completed his races with a 50m backstroke registering 30.47. Keitsile’s coach, Simon Tshwaane said although he failed to win a medal, he managed to qualify for three finals. “The event is where you meet African swimming giants from the Olympics and World record breakers including underdogs who are also thriving to reach international podiums.
The environment was intimidating. He left a mark at the event. He impressed a lot of swimmers and coaches,” he said. Tshwaane said he expects the 14-year-old to perform better in Zambia than he did in Gqeberha. He said the swimmer enjoys competing for Botswana with his teammates. “I think that is also a morale booster. There is also room for improvement. But we have to note that this will be three weeks of continuous high-intensity competition. He swam against Olympians, which brings a certain level of pressure,” he said.
Tshwaane said Keitsile should show character and mental resilience at CANA. He added that he hopes the national technical team understands Keitsile’s unique situation of back-to-back competitions. National team assistant coach, Katlego Solomon told Mmegi Sport the team has prepared well for the championships. “The swimmers are so excited and most of those who are excited are the younger swimmers because it is their first national team call,” she said. Solomon said they are hoping for a podium finish in most of the races and some new Personal Bests (PB) for the swimmers.