28 May 2023

Anthony Pesela emerged the winner of this year’s Debswana BAA National Championships at the meet held at the National Stadium over the weekend.

Pesela, who has been struggling health wise, finished in position three in the semi-finals, but came out of his shell in the finals, snatching it after clocking a time of 45.77, followed by Zibani Ngozi with 45.78 while Laone Ditshetelo won a bronze with a time of 45.79.

Pesela said in an interview that despite failing to hit the World Championship mark, he was happy with his time given that it was his second 400-metre race of the season. He said he would be leaving for Europe this week to compete there, adding that he was confident that he would make it to Budapest for the World Championships in August.

“I just have to be patient, my body is now responding well and I am not under any pressure, patience pays,” he said.

So far, only two athletes have qualified for the World Championships, Leungo Scotch and Bayapo Ndori, while Letsile Tebogo has qualified for both 100 and 200 metres.

In that regard, Pesela said the qualified athletes had motivated him to focus and train a lot in order to make it. In the 400 metres women category, Naledi Lopang won the race by clocking in 51. 44 followed by Lydia Jele with 52.48, while Obakeng Kamberuka finished third with 53.49.

In the 100 metres finals, the race’s favourite Thuto Masasa was disqualified for false start and Thapelo Monaiwa did not waste time, but ensured that his name was engraved in the athletics books as the 2023 champion, stopping the clock at 10.31. Tumo Van Wyk recorded 10.37 to finish in position two, while Keene Motukisi finished third with 10.42.

Tsaone Sebele is the 100 metres champion after clocking 11.28 followed by Boitshepo Moloi and Nancy Budzani, who both clocked 11.83. In the field events, the ever flamboyant Tonic Taukobong won the discus men with 40.30m followed by Brenno Friday with 39.68m and Langthorn Bahiti with 36.89m. Ends