Thebe fails to secure Olympics berth
L Curtain falls on qualification No new additions to Olympics team
The curtain came down on athletics qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Tuesday but it was a bitter end for 400m runner, Baboloki Thebe.
He failed to book his place in the team as he finished fourth with a time of 46.31 during a race in Spain. The qualifying time for men’s 400m was 44.90. National team coach, Justice Dipebe told Mmegi Sport he is impressed with the team that has qualified.
“It is always going to be a challenge to get all the athletes to qualify due to various reasons, being injuries, lack of competitions among others. The season has been made worse by a lot of (COVID-19) restrictions. Training venues were closed, competitions were limited and travel to competitions was limited.
All the teams that finish on top of their groups will advance to the semi-finals joined by the best runner up from the group stages. The Zebras coach has said he is happy with the new format because they will play more matches.
“This will give our players enough exposure. As you know this tournament provides a platform for our players to showcase their abilities to the rest of the world,” he said.
Kgengwenyane has since named a strong squad that includes international players like Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Mothusi Cooper, Tumisang Orebonye and Kabelo Seakanyeng. Cooper was expected to arrive in the country yesterday while Seakanyeng and Orebonye are still fighting to win promotion with their Moroccan side. The coach said the two players will join the team if they manage to secure promotion on Friday and if not, they are likely to miss the first two Zebras matches.
He, however, said that will not present a big problem since they have enough cover and planned well in advance for that eventuality. Following the departure of Adel Amrouche, Kgengwenyane will be joined by Daniel Nare for the COSAFA trip. Kgengwenyane said Nare’s arrival is key because they share the same philosophy and would help him achieve his mandate.
The final squad: Goalkeepers: Ezekiel Morake, Keeagile Kgosipula, Lesenya Malapela Defenders: Ditlhokwe, Goitseone Legopelo, Thabo Leinanyane, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Mothusi Johnson, Kitso Mangolo, Thato Kebue, Fortunate Thulare Midfielders: Cooper, Segolame Boy, Gape Mohutsiwa, Godiraone Modingwane, Kutlwelo Mpolokang Strikers:
Mpho Kgomo, Thero Setsile, Kago Monyake, Elias Mbatshi, Seakanyeng, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Godfrey Tauyatswala, Orebonye, Tshepo Malgas