Mothibi misses out on Commonwealth qualification

Calistus Kolantsho | Friday February 2, 2018 14:30

Mothibi powered to the finishing line in 10.55 beating Thebe who came in second with a time of 10.57.

All eyes were on Thebe, who started as a favourite, but that was not to be as Mothibi claimed first place.

Mothibi’s coach, Justice Dipeba told Mmegi Sport that Mothibi has always been in the national team radar. He said the athlete clocked 10.01 in Belgium during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers, but the time was not recognised due to the wind factor.

Dipeba said it is unfortunate that Mothibi would not make it to this year’s Commonwealth Games as the deadline is tomorrow. He said the next competition under Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) is in February.

“Most people are always focusing on 400m forgetting other races. At the moment, we cannot expect good times from athletes because the season has just started,” he said.

Dipeba said with more competitions, Mothibi would improve his time. He said even those who have qualified for Commonwealth Games have not been running to their full potential. He expects that to change as the season progresses.

In other Saturday night races, Loungo Matlhaku continued where she left off in the first BAA series by claiming first position in the women’s 200m with a time of 24.01, beating Refilwe Murangi (26.01) to second position. 

Matlhaku also claimed the 100m race, stopping the watch after 11.96. Christine Botlogetswe was the fastest in the women’s 400m clocking a time of 53.20 followed by Galefele Moroko (55.22).