24 Feb 2022

With the FNB Kazungula Marathon coming this weekend, Botswana’s Ntopo ‘Tops’ Mopatwa is set to finish on the podium.

The 26-year- old is hungry for competition following long hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic with his last competitive race being the 2019 Selebi Phikwe marathon where he finished first.

The 42 kilometres race maestro has travelled to Zimbabwe, South Africa and Kenya where he obtained a podium finish in all the races.

He is not fazed by Kenyan marathon gods having competed against them in a few races including the Kilimanjaro marathon in Kenya.

When he is not at the gym room or stadium, he can be spotted along the A3 road running from Maun to Komana about 64km return trip.

In an interview, the Sepopa born stated that he was content with his current.

He highlighted that he trained with Maun BDF club team mates. 

Mopatwa, however, noted that they only ran shorter distances whereas he took on the full marathon.

The runner stated that in the 2018 Diacore Gaborone Marathon, he finished third behind Kenyans and he was looking forward to stage a comeback with the FNB Kazungula Marathon.

He pointed out that his best time was 2:16 adding that he believed there was potential to beat his own record.

He said his biggest competition was from across the borders borders since there were only few marathoners in Botswana.

The extremely hot Maun weather condition to him is a stimulus, adding that the best condition for a marathoner to train was when it was hot to allow them condition to anything because it was the most daunting for any runner.

Mopatwa said his biggest challenge in preparation for the FNB Kazungula marathon was securing sponsors to help him acquire money for a proper diet, training attire and accommodation fees.

“It would be nice to finish in the podium wearing a Botswana brand because I believe this marathon is about selling Botswana to the whole world,” he said.

However, he noted that a few entities had pledged to assist him but had not finalised their deals.

He highlighted that the weekend marathon required focus and dedication as it was a race like no other touching the cardinal points where Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia meet.

He said his strategy was to run the race at his own pace and not be pressurised by other runners.

Mopatwa stated that he wished Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) calendar catered for athletes in Ngamiland and Chobe regions and bring some of the preparatory races to the North West to allow for youngsters to unearth their talent in their close proximity. ends