Botswana boys reach 400m final in regional meet
Thato Kala | Thursday December 11, 2014 19:08
Lueng Scotch, Wamano Keet and Karabo Sibanda all emerged triumphant in the semis to romp to the final. Sibanda expressed confidence ahead of the final saying that they are expecting a podium finish.
He was however, wary of a threat posed by South African opponents but added that they are ready for the challenge.
“Coming out first in our heats shows that we can go on and take the three medals on offer but we are not going to relax in the final. We are going to push as much as we can because South Africans are also good, but with focus, we can overcome their challenge,” he said. In tennis, Team Botswana will now turn to the doubles following heartache in the singles where players failed to make it beyond the quarterfinals. The doubles kick-off today after being postponed due to rains.
The four Botswana players, Innocent Tidimane, Emmanuel Mabhechu, Nthabiseng Mogopodi and Phatsimo Ruele will team up in the doubles and hope for a change of fortunes in the courts. Coach, Kagiso Kelebiele was however, not disappointed by the fall of his players in the singles, saying they started preparations late.
Team manager, Boikobo Goalebalue expressed optimism the players could do better in the doubles as they have acclimatised and can pick themselves up from the defeats.
“We remain hopeful that we can recover from the losses and pick up wins in the doubles segment. Emmanuel has an injury to his knee and this might affect him in his game.
We hope they do well.“Innocent will team up with Emmanuel in the boys doubles, while Nthabiseng and Phatsimo will be in the girls category. Innocent and Nthabiseng will then pair for the mixed doubles,” Goalebalue said. In women basketball, Botswana beat Lesotho 76-23. In netball Botswana overcame Namibia 46 -19.