The next stop is Commonwealth Games
Local athletes have been very competitive at the Commonwealth Games in recent history and following a below average showing at the World Championships in Oregon, the local runners may be looking to turn things around to win medals at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, slated for Birmingham from Thursday, 28 July until Monday, 8 August.
Team BW arrived in their pre-games training Camp on July 11, 2022) at Cardiff University in Wales and they have been based there since; they will be departing for the athletes village in Birmingham on July 26.
Moreover, expectations are high for the team with Isaac Makwala included in the team, the veteran 400m sprinter has won Gold during the 2018 Commonwealth Games and he will be full of life this year.
Expectations are that Makwala will be the leader of the team and provide youngsters with guidance as he is already at the twilight of his athletics career.
Makwala will partner, Bayapo Ndori, Anthony Pasela, Leungo Scortch and ZibaneNgozi as they seek to bring the country another Gold medal in the 4x400 relay, the above mentioned athletes will also participate individually in the 400m event.
Another male athlete who should be competitive at the games is Boitumelo Masilo who has gained a wealth of experience over the years, Masilo will be the country’s only representative in the 800m category following the ban of Olympic medalist Nigel Amos due to doping.
After serving her doping suspension, the experienced Lydia Jele will be looking to dust off her spikes in a competitive international event, Christen Botlogetswe will join her in the 400m category while Oarabile Tshosa and Tsaone Sebele will be in the 100m category.
Nonetheless, the country's hope for medals is not only on the racing track, Boxers like Keamogetse Kenosi (57kg), Aratwa Kasemang (60kg) and Lethabo Modukanela will be looking to heavily hit their opponents in oder to gift the country some few medals.
Other boxers capable of bringing home medals include Rajab Mohammed (51kg) and George Molwantwa (57kg) who will both fight in the male category, the two heavy heaters have been a force to be reckoned with in the region.
The Judo team had brought forth Tirelo Lekoko and Lauryn Pulamoeng. Meanwhile, the cycling team has Matlhogonolo Botlhole, Gontse Molefhe, David Lebalelo and Saviour Thapelo Motlhankanvane.
The squash team is made of Leungo Katse, Angel Otshabeng and Koketso Ntshebe. In Lawn Bowl, there is Marea Modutlwa, Tshenolo Moshokgo, Boikhutso Mooketsi, Lesego Motladiile and Gasegarona Pabalelo.