16 Jan 2023

There were a number of impressive performances by athletes at the second edition of the Jwaneng Athletics Club (JAC) track and field challenge on Saturday.

The first track and field event of the year was held under scorching conditions at Lobatse Sports Complex.

Athletes used the competition to prepare for the 2023 athletics season.

Track events included 60m, 150m, 300m, 600m, 1 000m and 3 000m races in the junior and senior categories. Long jumpers also had the opportunity to fine-tune their craft in the only field event.

The most compelling performance was delivered by Thapelo Monaiwa of Lefika Athletics Club in the men’s 60m and150m. The 24-year-old stopped the clock at 6:56 seconds in 60m.

In what turned out to be the contest of the day in the men’s 150m, Monaiwa stormed ahead of Pako Seribe to record 15:52 seconds. It was described  as ‘very good’ by JAC coach, Argo Lefatshe. Seribe clocked 15:59 seconds.

Thuto Masasa, Thabo Molapo and Bonang Namogang also ran sub seven seconds in the men’s 600m.

Seribe, a 400m specialist, also performed well recording 33:70 seconds in 300m.

Women’s national team runner, Loungo Matlhaku also showed good form, winning her 60m race in 7:55 seconds and 300m race in 38:74 seconds.

Lefatshe hailed the athletes’ performance and attendance, noting that  they managed to attract more than 300 athletes.

He also said he was happy with the performance of top athletes such as Matlhaku, Seribe, Collen Kebinatshipi, Lundi Pinaemang and Anthony Pesela.

Lefatshe said they were expecting a lot from their athletes this season and that many of them were selected into the junior national teams last year.

“We expect to bring more of them into the national team. We also aim to have them run good times in 800m and 1 500m events,” he said. ENDS