Swimming team breaks AUSC Games barriers
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:04
On day two of the competition, Mmusi Matthews won a gold medal in 100m breaststroke, YunSuh Chang settled for bronze in the girls 50m breaststroke while Rayhan Khonat also won a bronze in the 200m freestyle. Chang has set a new Botswana national short course records in both 50m and 100m breaststroke while Khonat broke the 100m and 200m freestyle national records. Botswana Swimming Sport Association (BSSA) president, Kgaotsang Matthews told Sport Monitor that she was proud of the performance of the team. She said that was the highest medal tally ever for Botswana swimming team at the AUSC Region V Games.
“We are proud of our athletes' incredible performance and the dedication of everyone behind the scenes. Preparations for this competition started in December, when the athletes and the coaches were made aware that the swimmers are in the long list for selection into the team,” Matthews said. Not to be left behind, karate team continued with their good run, winning ten medals (three gold, a silver and six bronze). Team kata (men) and women won gold medals with Tebogo Walter winning another gold medal in individual kumite (-68kg). Chika Chika James snatched a silver medal in individual male kata and a bronze in individual kumite. Resego Sesinyi scooped two bronze medals in women individual kata and kumite. Another karate bronze medal was won by Cindy Sempiping in individual kumite while Tefo Baruti and Same Thani completed the bronze medal winners list. Karate team coach, China Metswi said they took advantages of the chances that they had and used them accordingly.
He said the team started preparing for Region 5 in April before travelling to Durban for another competition where they did well. Tennis team also showed strength picking some wins in the Singles first round through Chelsea Chakanyuka 6/1-6/1 beating Ana Lamos of Angola. Chakanyuka went to the competition after a second position finish at the Botswana Open. Seabo Saleshando won 6/1-6/2 beating Liam Kuhn of Namibia. Ntungamili Raguin pulled a 6/3-6/2 win from Ruben Yseel of Namibia. Another victory of 6/1-6/0 was picked by Naledi Raguin against Mercy Mbewe of Malawi. It was not easy for Esi Molefe losing 6/4-7/6 against Takura Mhwamdagara of Zimbabwe. Mbali Qame suffered a 6/2-6/2 defeat against Leandre Louw of Namibia. Table tennis girls team lost 3-0 to South Africa in the semi-finals to secure a bronze medal, with the boys team also losing 3-0 to South Africa.
Meanwhile, it was tough for Beach volleyball and 3x3 basketball as they were knocked out of the competition on the first day. The 3x3 basketball girls suffered a 12-5 defeat to South Africa and 18-8 to Malawi. The boys team also suffered the same defeat to the South Africa and Malawi respectively. As of Sunday, Botswana had collected 15 medals, and the competition continues.