Athletics stars geared up for inaugural Gaborone Meet

Staff Writer | Friday April 28, 2017 14:37

The Meet, organised by Sports View Runners Club, will see runners from host country, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mauritius, Zambia and Zimbabwe battle it out.

The chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Glody Dube told a press briefing on Wednesday that in the beginning the idea of GIM seemed impossible due to lack of sponsorship. He said despite that, the LOC approached various companies and individuals who responded positively.

“The idea was born from the experience we had during our running days in Europe where we used to compete in various Meets there. Now we wanted to bring that home. It was a far-fetched dream but we can safely say it is happening,” he said.

Dube said the idea was sold to Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) who extended the invitation to other countries. He said athletes from Europe will not be taking part in the competition as they participated at the South Africa national championships last weekend. He said there is a potential for a world record to be set at the National Stadium. He added that qualified IAAF technical officials have been engaged for the race. “We have selected events that local runners are strong in. We could not have an event such as staple chase where we know we are not strong,” he said.

Dube announced that the entire team that won a silver medal in the World Relays at Bahamas will be competing. Nijel Amos confirmed on Wednesday that he will be present at the Meet. Regarding claims that Isaac Makwala and Baboloki Thebe were injured, Dube said he had not received reports to that regard. He said the runners have confirmed their participation.

Meanwhile, national team coach, Justice Dipeba said they hope the weather will be warmer on the day. He said the cold weather is bad for sprinters and will affect their times.

Mmegi Sport caught up with Zambia 100m sensation, Sydney Siame who qualified for the Meet in a time of 9:88, which was a new record in his native country. Siame said it was his first time to compete in Botswana and he expects tough competition from the local runners.

“I specialise in 100 metres and 200 metres races. I know that you have fast runners here. I am ready for tomorrow (Friday) after doing good times back home being 10:22 in Ndola and 9:88 in Lusaka which is a national record now,” he said.

Siame said he has already qualified for the IAAF World Championships London 2017 and he will be using the Meet as part of his preparations.  

The Meet has been divided into different categories being premium, classic and promotional. There is also competition for the disabled under the Special Olympics.

The race sponsors are Khayelihle Guest House, Rolling Wheels, Palm Media, Money Gram, Exclusive Insurance, City Physio, BNOC, Nashua, BAA, Lefa Welding and Engineering, Pragon Motor Cyclists Club and Special Olympics Botswana.