14 May 2019

A duel of the year is expected between renowned 800m runner, Nijel Amos and little known but ingenious Kgomotso Mpenya. 

The duo will slug it out in an All Against One 800m Race in January.

Mpenya of clothing brand, Lavendro,  is dangling a carrot in front of Amos daring to beat him in the 800m race. 

If Amos wins the race, he would pocket P500 000 and should Mpenya beat Amos, the little known lad will be sure of free advertising of his brand with tagline: Lavendro brand deserves a chance. 

The question in the minds of many is: Will Mpenya be the biblical David, who against all odds, knocked down Goliath with just a sling?

Or how does inexperienced Mpenya expect to escape from an aggressive lion?

Amos, an internationally acclaimed athlete, shocked the world a few years ago when he defeated the world champion,  David Rudisha.

He was also the first Botswana Olympic medalist with a Personal Best (PB) of 1:41.73.

 On one hand, Mpenya competed in minor races during his schools days.

However, Mpenya was adamant that he would outshine his rival given that he had the opportunity to watch him race on television. 

“An un-known athlete is very dangerous, so what I can promise you is that, I am going to beat Amos, on the day. Nobody has ever seen me run, even Nijel Amos but that does not stop me from outrunning him.” he said. 

Mpenya said he was already on physical and mental preparedness training. 

“I have been running from Oasis Motel to Tlokweng boarder gate everyday just to work on my endurance,” he said.

Amos said the challenge would be tough, adding that the level of confidence displayed by Mpenya gave him goosebumps. 

“But, again the question that comes in my mind is, does Mpenya know what it takes to cross the finish line in two laps and then I have checked him in all media platforms, but he is not there, he has never competed anywhere,” he said.

Amos said he had accepted the challenge, adding that his intent was not to pocket half a million pula, but rather to promote a local brand and empower youth. 

He said they would also take on board other 800 metres runners such as Tshepiso Masalela, Boitumelo Masilo and some international athletes. Ends