Minister offers unlimited support after silver moment
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday April 25, 2017 16:11
Olopeng told Mmegi Sport yesterday that he was impressed with the team’s performance. He said the team performed up to expectations. He said the boys have been in top form since the Rio Olympics last year and encouragingly, the side has youngsters mostly.
“The athletes are still young and age is on their side. I pledge my support and that of the government that we are going to put all resources in supporting the team,” he said. “Our focus now is developing them to make sure that they bring a medal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”
Olopeng said the team has proved itself on the biggest stage and it is only fair to recognise the team upon return from The Bahamas.
The minister said he has gone an extra mile to negotiate with the local sport shops to use the team members in marketing their merchandise.
Meanwhile, the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) public relations officer, Ipolokeng Ramatshaba said a welcome ceremony has been organised for the team.
The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at Oasis Motel in Tlokweng.
Ramatshaba said the nation should rally behind the team and give them the much needed support.
He said since they have already qualified for the London World Championships, the Bahamas platform was a litmus test.
“The team has been training hard ahead of the IAAF relay championship. We can only say this is a job well done. It was a learning curve and now the technical team knows where to tune ahead of London,” Ramatshaba said.
He said the USA remains tough for the local lads, but it was a welcome development to beat Jamaica. He said that was the upset of the competition.
Ramatshaba said the Botswana National Olympic Committee will play a big role in assisting the team in its preparations for the World Championships.
The team, which is made up of Isaac Makwala, Onkabetse Nkobolo, Baboloki Thebe and Karabo Sibanda finished second in 3:02:28, a few seconds behind United States of America (USA) who clocked 3:02:13. Botswana set a record when they beat Jamaica to the finish line through the fast legs of Sibanda.
It was a marvel to watch as Sibanda gave LaShawn Merritt of USA tough competition towards the finish line. The team arrives home tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.