BAA Gives Athletes Free Reign At World Champs
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday August 17, 2015 11:17
BBA president, Moses Bantsi told Monitor Sport after the team’s send off ceremony held on Friday that they have not set medal target. He explained that they do not want to put the athletes under pressure, noting that qualifying for the World championships was an achievement enough.
Furthermore, Bantsi told the gathering that the athletes have proven themselves before in international competitions adding that these world championships are no different. He said they expect the team to bring home positive results. “We are sending quality athletes to the World championships and they have also qualified for Rio 2016. This country has talent that needs to be natured and groomed. We need our athletes to compete with the best in the World and be ranked,” said Bantsi.
Meanwhile, the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng said the athletics team is no new to major challenges. He said they are being sent with confidence because the competition is not new to the Botswana athletes. Reikeletseng told the athletes that they did not make a team out of a simple selection exercise.
“You did it out of an extended period of rigorous work and finally beating the target mark to qualify. It is not easy for many here in our country. It is not easy for many in other countries,” said Reikeletseng.
He pointed out that the World championship is a big stage, but it is not an unusual stage for elite athletes. Reikeletseng said Botswana has won the championship before through Amantle Montsho. The runner went on to get position four in the last championships. “You have met some of the athletes opponents in many races, and outclassed them in others. This time is therefore yet another opportunity. You have to go there with the spirit of wanting to beat your last record of performance and secondly to conquer what lies ahead of you,” he told the team.
The team: Isaac Makwala, Nigel Amos, Leaname Maotoanong, Sakarea Kamberuka, Onkabetse Nkobolo and Kabelo Kgosiyang.
Team manager: Olebogeng Oitebetse
Coaches: Justice Dipeba and Jean Vester.