22 May 2016

Moeti Junior Secondary School in Maun held a motorcade to honour 16-year-old, Thomphang Basele who has brought two gold medals and a special award from Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) games that were held in Namibia recently.

Basele scooped gold medals in 400 metres and medley relay respectively and was also crowned the best senior athlete track Southern Africa at a speed of 55.90. In an interview, Basele said she aims to do well  in athletics like Amantle Montsho.

She said she was motivated by the fact that she does not entertain being outrun. 

Power and strides, she said were her formula at the COSSASA games.

Basele who realised her athletic abilities when she was doing standard 4 at Sekgoma Memorial School in Maun, said she was also grateful for having been selected to compete at the nationals by the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) against some of Botswana’s best upcoming athletes.

Basele’s aunt, Modiegi Basele expressed delight as the rising star’s prowess. She noted that Basele was putting their name on the map.

A teacher-coach, Koziba Magowa said Basele was also a good long jumper. 

Magowa said Basele made her mark in athletics in 2012 when she scooped a gold medal in 800 metres during Botswana Primary School Sport Association (BOPSSA) national finals.

Basele, he said continued to prove her mettle in 2014 during the Botswana Integrated Association (BISA) competitions as she scooped position three in 400 metres and a gold in medley relay. ENDS