Was it Botswana�s best ever sporting week?
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday June 3, 2014 15:24
Focus zeroed in on Botswana on May 22 when Africa descended on the vast but sparsely populated nation. For the next 10 days, Gaborone was the focal point as 2,500 athletes drawn from 53 countries competed in the Africa Youth Games. It began with a spectacular opening ceremony and as days rolled by, Botswana’s prowess in minority codes was underlined.
The team, with a medal target of 30, surpassed the mark by four including an impressive seven gold and seven silver. It was an overwhelming display before partisan crowds that followed the Games across all 16 venues.
From the massively followed football to the wet-behind-the-ear rowing and canoeing, the nation was united behind a young team. The athletes did not disappoint as they gave an assuring glimpse of the future.
Judo, living on the periphery, was the first to grab gold followed by boxing, karate and athletics. Some of the continent’s traditional giants were relegated to the shade as Botswana finished sixth in the overall standings.
This represents the most successful outing by a Botswana team in an international competition. Before celebrations could die down, Botswana’s golden boy, Nijel Amos grabbed pole position in the Prefontaine Classic, part of the Samsung Diamond League series. It was the manner in which Amos’ run was fashioned which made the win more sweeter.
Amos seemed to firmly bury the ghost of long striding Kenyan phenomenon, David Rudisha who finished a disappointing seventh in the race. The record-breaking Rudisha has popped up at crucial races to deny Amos victory including the London 2012 Olympics.
Botswana would find further reason to embrace the win as Amos set a meet record of 1:43:63 seconds beating the 2011 record of 1:43:68. Amos’ win, achieved against a lump of accusations about his off field shenanigans, provided proof that if focused, he is primed to conquer the world with age on his side.
On Sunday, the mass followed and well-funded, but under-achieving football came to the party. The Zebras had the tedious task of applying a gloss finish on a week of awe-inspiring sport success. And they did so with a work-man-like victory over a stubborn Burundi at the New Lobatse Complex. While the fans were not teeming in the terraces, the Sports Volunteers Movement, which was at the core of a successful Youth Games, gave vociferous support. Captain Joel Mogorosi, outstanding all afternoon, grabbed the all-important winner to send the Zebras through to the next round of the AFCON qualifiers. Guinea Bissau are next on the menu.
As history books are perused, they will probably fail to reveal such riveting success achieved by Botswana in seven days. While historically Botswana has been regarded as lightweights in sports, recent achievements point to an assured future. Young stars such as Naomi Ruele, Khaya Groth, Karabo Sibanda, Thabang Setshego, Baboloki Thebe and Thato Lebang have demonstrated that with the right development, Botswana’s sports is bright.
Golden Moments Timeline
May 22- Botswana welcomes Africa for the Youth Games with an opening ceremony that confounded critics.
May 24- Thato Lebang wins gold in judo.
May 28- Lightweight boxer, Mohammed Otukile wins gold.
May 29- Team Kata wins karate gold
May 29- Karabo Sibanda wins 400m gold
May 31- Baboloki Thebe wins gold in the 200m
May 31- Nigel Amos sets a new record in Oregon, coming first in a time of 1:43:63secs
June 1- Zebras beat Burundi 1-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier to progress to the second round.