BAA selects squad for Africa event

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Wednesday April 6, 2011 00:00

 

Selectors made their pick from more than 100 athletes who took part in a track and field competition organised by the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) in Orapa. However, BAA spokesperson, Glody Dube was not impressed with the quality of athletes who took part in the weekend competition. He said the standards were poor due to the boycott of extra-curricular activities in schools by teachers. 'In the past, our teachers prepared athletes for us and they came to us as finished products,' Dube explained. He said it is possible that some good athletes may have been left because they could not afford to travel to Orapa. In the past, schools took care of students' travel expenses when teachers were involved in sports.

Dube said their wish is to have as many athletes as possible representing the country in the AJC to be hosted by Botswana next month. He said the team will not go into camp as of now since most of the athletes are students and the BAA would not want to disrupt their studies. 'We have arranged that students train in their respective areas where we have identified coaches for them,' Dube said. He added that athletes would only camp in Gaborone, two weeks before the competition.

The competition's Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng said preparations are progressing well. He said Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) officials were in Gaborone last week and were impressed with the progress. At least 41 countries have confirmed participation. Reikeletseng said they await more confirmations. 'It will be nice to have a full house since this is the 10th edition of the competition,' he  said. Over 2,000 athletes are expected to take part in the event.