06 Feb 2023

Sheila Saina of Kenya and Sesebo Matlapeng of Botswana won the Francistown College of Technical and Vocational Education (FCTVE) half marathon on Sunday.

Saina won the 21-kilometre senior women’s race in 1:17:22 while Matlapeng won the men’s category clocking 1:07:37 in a race, which saw over 300 runners participating.

The two runners said in an interview that they prepared well for the races although opponents gave them a run for their money.

“It was a good race and I am excited,” said Saina who further explained that she was now looking forward to the Kazungula marathon.

For his part, Matlapeng expressed excitement that he had improved his time from previous races.

Second on the women category was Onneile Dintwe who clocked 1:26:57 while Mama Tiango of Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Athletics Club settled for third position with 1:28:47

The men’s side saw Albert Kipngeti of Kenya snatching position two with a time of 1:08:13 while Tholego Kebatshabile who competed as an individual took position three clocking 1:08:28.

The six runners won themselves gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.

The senior men’s 10 km race saw Othusitse Gabolwelwe of Mmadinare Athletics Club (MAC) beating his closest opponents Montshiwa Raokgwathile and Olefile Kooagile who competed as individuals.

Gabolwelwe clocked 31:37, Raokgwathile registered 31:39 while Kooagile ran a time of 31:47. The trio won gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.

The female category in the same race was won by Lebogang Segolame of Selibe Phikwe Athletics Club (SPAC) with a time of 39:31 followed by Theo Motana of Francistown Athletics Club (FAC) clocking 42:10 whilst Ineeleng Mosarwe of BDF Athletics Club settled for position three with 44:12.

Other race categories included the five kilometres for both male and females, the under 11 race for both male and females as well as the Master female and male race.

The Master Female race was won by Rebonyeng Hick with a time of 1:06;46 whilst Oageng Mokgolodi came second with a time of 1:13:41. Evelyn Mpete settled for third position with 1:13:48.

The male category was won by Philip Massey with a time 2:07:17 and was unopposed.

In an interview, FCTVE principal Asalepele Tobedza said the college was planning to make the event annual, adding the next one would be bigger and better.

He also thanked sponsors for their positive response.

Tobedza said the event was part of the College’s Sports and Recreation and Leisure student’s training programme. ENDS