10 Jan 2016

Sesebo Matlapeng sprinted to victory in the first cross country series of the New Year to win the 10km senior men race in Mogoditshane on Saturday January 9.     

However, it was a closely contested race from the start as three athletes went neck to neck for most of the race. 

Matlapeng, together with first and second runner ups, Onkarabile Matlhare and Rapula Diphoko, separated themselves from the rest of the field. 

The trio created a 100m gap behind them as they galloped the bumpy and bushy course. The scorching sun could not dampen their spirit and morale as Matlapeng and Matlhare sprinted to the finish line. 

Matlapeng proved to be the better athlete on the day as he outpaced Matlhare.

In an interview, Matlapeng narrated how he had been training extensively during the festive season in order to win the first series. 

He said the race was easy for him, adding that he was strategic about as he tagged along with the other two competitors knowing that he would outpace them at the finish.

Furthermore, he said his aim was to work hard to win the championship this year.

Nonetheless, he admitted that it would not be easy given that a new crop of young athletes have emerged and have been promoted to the senior category. 

In the 10km senior women category, Onneile Dintwe had it easy and seemed to be competing alone as she opened a huge gap from the onset and wrapped up the race in 40:51:49. 

Mema Tiango finished second clocking 46:12:59 while Marea Maano came third in 47:35:59. 

The 8km junior men race was also closely contested as Bakang Matlho snatched it in 33:51:06, Aobakwe Mophakedi and Tiroyaone Botlhoko came in second place and third places respectively. 

The 6km junior women race was not as exciting as only two contestants in Tumo Botlhoko and Masego Nkgwang competed. They clocked 28:11:49 and 30:05:49 respectively. 

Kealeboga Kgalemang won the 4km boys category clocking 16:36 while Kereng Ranko finished second in 17:41 and Ketshephile Ditau came third in 17:45. 

In the 4km girls race, Precious Obatlilwe came first in 20:52 while Hope Majafi was behind her clocking 20:57 to complete the pack as they were also only two. 

The cross country series is part of Botswana Athletics Association (BAA)’s three series that serve as qualification for the national finals billed for February 13. Ends