25 Jan 2022

A renowned cyclist, Thapelo Sebonego, is doing everything in his power to ensure Botswana cyclists participate in the 2024 Summer Olympics slated for France.

The Olympics, also known as Paris 2024, would take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

Speaking in an interview on Thursday, Sebonego, who is coach and team manager of Moshupa Cycling Club, said his club trained youth to participate in all Botswana cycling competitions, African Championships and International Cycling Championships.

He said the sport had a double advantage of instilling discipline on the youth and developing them to become the best that they could be in life, adding that the sport also promoted health on a broader spectrum.

Sebonego revealed that he wanted to make a difference in life through sport, hence seeking to help ‘his boys’ qualify for the upcoming Olympics.

He said he was privileged to obtain experience from other cycling clubs where he was an athlete such as Jwaneng cycling club and Team Swift cycling club, among others.

He said he had mentored some youth who participated at the Nhlangano Classic Challenge and Kukhanya Classic Challenge, in Swaziland, hosted at the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) level or being UCI recognised.

Union Cycliste Internationale is the world governing body for sports cycling and oversees international competitive cycling events. It is based in Switzerland.  

Sebonego said club members also cycled at the Cape Argus cycling challenge and Momentum cycling challenge, which are international events, adding that they did not race as professionals, but rather went there to learn.

He said he also groomed Junior Champion, Theo Tselayakhumo, who won the 2021 national junior championships individual time trials in Rasesa, in the Kgatleng district.

However, he decried lack of professional equipment and funds, which he said prevented them from participating in large numbers.

He said he was training nine boys and two girls, but they only have four bicycles for training sessions and competitions.

He shared that in 2018, another upcoming star, Tefo Kelaotse got fourth position on sprint finish at Swaziland competitions.

Sebonego himself got position two in the 2021 national championships (veteran category).

He said over the years, he had produced young stars, who are now in other professional clubs and also participated in the national team, in the likes of Lulu Telekelo, Llyod Molale and Tsotlhe Keikotlhae, among others.

He said his father was a sportsperson, from who he drew inspiration that catapulted him to greater heights. ENDS