16 Apr 2023

Tebogo Moepeng, a third year student at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BUIST) has qualified for the World Universities Games billed for China in July.

The 21-year-old competed in the FNBB/BOTESSA National Athletics Championship in Francistown where he qualified in triple jump after beating his personal best of 15.32 by hopping 14.44 metres, surpassing the qualification standard of 15.90 metres.

Moepeng had already qualified for long jump after jumping 7.38 against the 7.50 metre qualifying standard.

He said hard work and concentration was his winning formula.

“This year, I wanted to qualify so that I could participate in international events and represent my country. Going forward, I intend to work on developing and working more on long jump so that I can improve my standard results,” he said.

He said although he was without a coach, he did get help and would engage in rigorous training to improve performance and be at par with the international world.

Moepong said he participated in the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) in South Africa and won a bronze medal and also took part at Confederation of Southern African Sports Association (COSASA) in 2019 and won gold in long jump and triple jump.

For Boitshepho Moloi of Baisago College who had already qualified during Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) Series 4 and Botswana Golden Grand Prix in March 4 and 25, said this was her second year as an athlete.

She said she won silver in 100 metres last year and bronze in 200 metres, a feat she was content with.

“My qualification times indicate some improvement and my personal bests are a sign that there is hope of bringing a medal during World University Games,” said Moloi.

FNBB/BOTESSA National Athletics Championship public relations officer, Obonetse Botumile said the championship included all sporting events.

He said although they expected over 300 athletes but some did not appear due to circumstances beyond their control and lack of finance.

Botumile said the qualification would assist athletes to compete in other local competitions or internationally

Others who qualified in the past championships include Tshepang Manyika of Boitekanelo Training College and Thuto Masasa of New Era. ENDS