The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) will host an invitational track and field series at the National Stadium in Gaborone tomorrow [Saturday], presenting local athletes with an opportunity to book places at this year's Olympics. Ramotswa Athletics Club chairperson, Harold Mosomane, said there is a lot that should be expected on the day although the weather conditions might be unfavourable. “We can only hope for better weather, in terms of temperature and wind to allow athletes to perform to their utmost potential. And we also expect the release of the Cameroon-bound team after the weekend event,” Mosomane said.
“It is the continuation of having Tshepo Kelaotswe overseeing the timing team as it has proved that those who were trained are not at the level of handling it alone. I also expect to witness one of the better times of the year, especially in 400m senior men as athletes look to position themselves for the 4x400m Olympics relay team,” he added. Mosomane said there is also the Africa Senior Championships in Cameroon that coaches and athletes have eyes on, and that makes the Saturday event more exciting while the qualifications for the World Athletics Junior Championships are still open. Jwaneng Athletics Club coach, Chilume Ntshwarang, said it is going to be a tough competition. “I cannot commit myself that much because the weather conditions are not favourable. Maybe personal bests (PB) but I am not sure about qualifications for major championships,” Ntshwarang said. The local event will be followed by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Championships that take place in Douala, Cameroon from June 21 to 26. During the recent Debswana National Championships, athletes failed to post Olympic qualification times.
