North dominates Youth Games triathlon squad

Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday March 5, 2014 16:15

The region has seven athletes in the team while the south has three.  Botswana Triathlon Association (BTA) spokesperson, Debbie Rouse told Mmegi Sport that a larger team was selected in order to keep reserves in case of illness or injury. Matthew Gibson is the coach while Claire Lane is the manager.

Rouse said they are still waiting for age group restrictions from the games organisers before trimming the squad. “The team held its first training camp in December in Gaborone, followed by another one last month. We have planned the final training camp in Francistown from April 13. The camp will be held just a few days before the competition starts,” said Rouse.

She said the athletes have been responding well during training. She explained that triathlon demands a lot from the body, hence they have selected a large squad.

Rouse said the main challenge they face is shortage of equipment. She said that they have been fortunate to get two bicycles from the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and another two from the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC). She added that they are in the process of procuring another two as a way of equipping the athletes. She said triathlon has been getting assistance from companies such as Bolux Milling, Manase Contractors and Gaborone Aquatic Centre.

Rouse stated that the team has strong swimmers in the likes of Andre van der Merwe. Triathlon is a three-discipline sport - swimming, cycling and running. Rouse said the team will take part in the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics pre-qualifiers during the South Africa Championships on March 25.

The full squad: (Men) Andre van der Merwe, Thuso Letlhare, Moagi Mbisi, Hnaroo Maree (first reserve) Lungile Mlobeli (second reserve). (Women): Emma Imsirovic, Maryna Kamfer, Lechani Botepe (first reserve), Tjanna Molefe (second reserve) and Roberta Akanyang (third reserve).