Coach Botha proud in Mauritius

Coach Henk Botha, one of Team Namibia's coaches, has praised all of Namibia's athletes who competed at the African Championships in Mauritius.
Namibia only secured one bronze medal at the event, which saw some of Africa’s finest athletes battling for the top places.
Ryan Williams’s (22) best effort of 54.0 metres landed him his first continental bronze medal, behind the South African duo of Werner Visser (58.81) and Victor Hogan (56.81).
“I always spoke highly of the incredible talent of Williams and he once again proved me right by getting a big continental medal,” Botha said.
The coach also sang the praises of those who did not make it, but who gave it their all during the competition.
“We had a successful African championship as far as I am concerned even though the weather conditions were awful.
“I think our athletes have done us proud and they fought like Brave Warriors,” the coach said.
Praise for all
Sprint star Gilbert Hainuca managed to reach the final of the 100m and semi-finals of the 200m events.
“Ernst Narib, who was a veteran also gave his everything after reaching the semi-final.
“We can also laud guys like Ivan Dannie Geldenhuys, Mahmad Bock and Andre Retief who all went through to the semi-finals of their respective events,” Botha added.
On Friday, Ané Rautenbach finished fifth in her women’s 200 heat (23.92) and went through to the semi-final later in the day, where she was eliminated with a disappointing eighth place (24.24).
The men’s triple jump final saw Roger Haitengi finishing 12th with a (15.45 m) jump.
David Dam, who competed in his first-ever African Championships, also reached the semi-finals.
The 4x400 men’s relay team was eliminated in their heat with a sixth-place (3 minutes 10.70 seconds).
“The other team members, which included the likes of Nandi Vass and many others, also did try their best.”