11 Feb 2019

About 80 athletes from various clubs and schools in the Southern region thronged Kopong on February 9 for the Botswana Athletics Association cross country competition.

The marathon race was the last preliminary competition after a series of events that were held beginning of this year to prepare and condition athletes for the upcoming cross country finals to be held in Palapye on February 23.  

The event, which was hosted by Lefika Athletics Club proved successful as the turnout was great.

Meanwhile, Maitumelo Gotswakgosi from BDF Athletics Club won the 10km race senior women category clocking 38.55 while Nehia Tiango settled for second position with 38.56 and Keneilwe Kwena took third position with a time of 40.20.

Although she won the race, Gotswakgosi said it was tough and the weather did not make things easier as it was very hot.   

In the senior men category, Lefika athletics club team mates, Rapula Diphoko and Sesebo Matlapeng battled it out switching positions.

With Matlapeng having dominated the series’ previous races, Diphoko however fought hard to deny his team mate victory and won the race with a time of 30.40.

Although Diphoko missed the second race of the series, he said he was happy with his performance but attributed his win to hard work.

For Matlapeng, having lost to his team mate was no big deal though as he admitted that he lacked speed and would improve on that aspect in the remaining few weeks to the final event.

Matlapeng clocked 31.03 against 31.58 recorded on the previous race, a huge improvement on his side.

Bakang Matlho of BDF Athletics Club recorded 31.31 and took position three.

According Botswana Athletics Association public relations officer Ipolokeng Ramatshaba, a similar event was also held in Serowe.

He said athletes who would qualify for the cross country finals, should have performed well in the two preliminary races.

He said there was no set standard or record for one to qualify but athletes who were consistent would be considered for selection to qualify for the finals.

He also said winners from Palapye would then qualify for the Southern African region cross country championships at a venue and date to be announced.

The same team, he stated would also represent the country at the World Championships in Denmark in March.

For his part, Lefika Athletics Club public relations officer, Kebonyemodisa Kootshabe said he was happy that the event was well attended and fitness level of athletes had improved significantly.

This is the sixth time the club hosted cross country events.

He thanked their sponsors among them JB Sports, Xco Sports and Henred-Fruehauf Botswana for the support. ENDS