Confusion cleared as Sibanda qualifies for World Championships
Tlotlo Kebinakgabo | Thursday February 2, 2017 14:47
He joins Baboloki Thebe and Nijel Amos who qualified by virtue of being African Champions in their respective races. There was confusion regarding the recognition of Itekeng as a certified IAAF venue.
BAA sports development officer, Gable Garenamotse said it does not necessarily mean that an athlete cannot qualify from a venue which is not certified. “Pako Seribe once qualified for the 2007 World Championships at that stadium. The stadium certification is mainly used for verification if an athlete has broken a world record. It verifies if indeed the track is of the required length. As for qualifications the certification doesn’t really matter. There are many aspects which are considered to determine if the athlete has qualified for major international competitions and some aspects are whether if there were trained IAAF officials and recognised IAAF equipment at the race,” Garenamotse said.
BAA additional member and north coordinator, Moses Raphutshe confirmed Sibanda’s qualification.
“He ran 45.26 and everything was in place, the time tonics were working well. I don’t think there is no way his qualification can not be recognised as Pako Seribe once qualified for the World Championships at the same venue,” Raphutshe said.
His coach, Mogomotsi Otsetswe said it was good for Sibanda to qualify in his first race of the season.
“We always want our athletes to qualify early for major competitions because if they qualify late we always have difficulties adjusting them for competitions. His qualification is going to give us time to prepare for the World Championships and other competitions,” Otsetswe said. He said they gave BAA Sibanda’s times and hopefully the information has been sent to IAAF.
Sibanda told Mmegi Sport earlier this month that he wants to continue as the best and qualify for the World Championships as soon as the season begins.
“I am however not going to put myself under much pressure as I am still a junior but I will try by all means to be the best,” Sibanda said. The World Championships take place in London in August.