Strong showing in SA meet augurs well for bigger competitions ahead
GAZETTE REPORTER
Botswana’s track and field athletes delivered strong performances at the AGN Track and Field League 4 in Pretoria, South Africa over the weekend, setting multiple personal and season-best times.
Kabo Rankgwe won the men’s 400m Heat 3 with a personal best of 45.64s, finishing ahead of compatriots Ernest Kumevu (46.17s) and Omphile Seribe (46.91s).
In the U-20 men’s 400m, Justice Oratile broke the 47-second barrier for the first time in his career, clocking a personal best of 46.71s. He also secured victory in the U-20 men’s 200m, finishing in 21.58s.
Lee Eppie first in the 400m
Lee Eppie continued his strong form, winning the men’s 400m Heat 2 in 45.47s. Kemorena Tisang finished second with 48.37s, while South Africa’s Kabelo Mohlosi came third in 48.81s.
Middle-distance runner Ketlhobogile Haingura powered to a season’s best of 1:45.97 to win the men’s 800m Heat 1. Tumo Nkape placed second in 1:47.01, followed by South Africa’s Ranti Dikgale (1:47.56).
The Sepeng Athletics Project also had a solid outing. Letlhogonolo Mokgethi finished second in the men’s 800m Heat 2 with a season’s best of 1:48.77, while Oratile Nowe opened her season in the women’s 800m with a time of 2:00.88. She finished behind South Africa’s Charne Swart, who clocked 1:59.86.
With the outdoor season gaining momentum, Botswana’s athletes are showing strong form as they build towards bigger competitions.