Makwala�s triumph lifts gloom
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday August 26, 2015 17:13
The unheralded Makwala powered to today’s 400m finals with a tidy run of 44:11 and would now look to win his first World Championship medal this afternoon.
The Tutume-born Makwala’s race is at 3:25pm local time.
Coach Justice Dipeba, speaking from Beijing, told Mmegi Sport it had been a difficult Sunday for the team. “It was a bit hard yesterday (Sunday). But we talked to the team and they did understand. We were able to re-focus again for the next task,” Dipeba said.
Amos had been touted as the nation’s best medal hope and his shock exit on Sunday left a sour taste on many fans’ mouths.
Onkabetse ‘Tolly’ Nkobolo had also surrendered in the heats of the 400m. But hopes were rekindled when Makwala blasted through to this afternoon’s final with a well timed run despite being handed the often-notorious Lane 9.
Dipeba acknowledged Makwala’s progress has lifted the 4x400m team, which the lanky athlete is expected to anchor. “The 4x400m team’s training is going well and I think it’s a big boost for them to see their teammate making it to the final,” Dipeba said.
The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) had said it expected a medal from Amos with a finals appearance for Makwala also a target.
The relay team is also expected to reach the finals. The other team member, high jumper, Kabelo Kgosiemang is in action on Friday.