05 Nov 2019

Gaborone based Bionic team members Kabo Monnathebe and Itumeleng Dithebe  dominated the extra heavy weight category  during the Northern Power lifting championship scooping first and second position respectively in Francistown over the weekend.

The annual Lifting Championships, organised by the second Brigade Botswana Defence Force (Donga camp) in conjunction with City Active Gym, attracted lifters from across the country.

The extra heavy weight category title winner, Monnathebe entered the competition with poise and it was evident that he was ready to make a mark on the day.

In the bench press, Kabo lifted 225kg and maintained his strength to lift 290kg in the squad lift while in the dead lift he managed 330kg and walked home P2 000 richer.

The power lifting giant attributed his success to hard work and commitment and said he would retain his title next year if his number one contender Itumeleng does not up his game to defy him.

“I’m more than happy that I won this competition.

I had to do what I needed to do to be happy in life,” said the Gaborone based lifter.

His rival Itumeleng managed to lift 210kg in the bench press, 280kg in the squad lift and 320kg in the dead lifts to scoop position two and went home P1 500 richer.

The competition was divided into five categories being Lightweight, Middleweight, Heavyweight, Super Heavyweight and Extra Super weight.

The super Heavy Weight position saw Warona Thubukwe scooping position one with Tawana Tawana settling for position two while Alton Matengu came third.

The heavyweight championship went to Bruno Mangogola while Tlhopho Kgetsiyamore took position two.

Barrows Chiche settled for position three.

The Middleweight championship was won by Tumelo Boikanyo with Oarabile Moatlhodi coming second while Thuso Tlhabiwe stood in position three.

In the Lightweight category, Gibson Makgoa took position one, followed by Kana Phometsi while Kesego Tshuma came third.

The Northern Power Lifting Championships is a community event that consists of athletes around Botswana and Spar Marang is one of the supporters.

“We at Spar believe in growth for these athletes in terms of motivation going forward,” said Spar Customer Care Manager Gotewang Kemisetso.

The competition was sponsored by City Active Gym at the tune of over P80 000 to cover prize money, trophies and medals, among others. ENDS