Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana goes to the World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25 limping following the withdrawal of three key members of the 4x400m men relay from the team.
Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Collen Kebinatshipi, who withdrew from the team on Monday, were instrumental in winning first gold medal at the World Relays last year in Nassau, Bahamas.
They also played a pivotal role in winning silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics last year.
The latest development, according to Team Botswana head coach Justice Dipeba would affect the team.
The athletes, he said had the experience and running fast times at the moment.
Therefore, he said their withdrawal would affect the approach they had planned.
Dipeba emphasised the importance of this year relays, as Botswana would be the next host of the event in 2026.
He said it was important for the 4x400m men’s relay to make a statement in Guangzhou.
“However, this is not the end of it. During our camp back home, I told the athletes that all athletes were crucial to the team,” he said.
Now, Dipeba he said it was time for others to step up to fill the gap and give their best.
“This is their time to show us what they have.
I know they are going to be affected because some members of their team would not be there.
But I think this is it, this is the time, this is the pressure, and this is where we need to step up as coaches and be able to calm the situation,” he said.
He said the athletes should step on the track and compete without undermining themselves.
“They should forget that they do not have experience. I have travelled with athletes whom their experience was limited and I was able to adjust the situation and make them believe in themselves and perform,” he said. He had acknowledged that it would not be easy but was confident that the players would show the world that Botswana’s win last year was not a fluke.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Leungo Scotch and Bhekempilo Eppie to lead the youngsters as they seek glory in China from May 10 to 11.
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