28 Jan 2024

Sesebo Matlapeng of Lefika Athletics club and French Alessia Zarbo are the champions of the inaugural Botswana International Cross Country Continental Tour at the Stanbic Bank Gaborone Golf Club on Saturday.

Matlapeng, who led in the men’s category, did not win the title on a silver platter, as he had to push harder at the finish line recording 29.35 ahead of Othusitse Gabolwele with 29.37 while Kagiso Kebatshwaretswe finished in third place with a time record of 29.57.

The women category winner, Zarbo was in a class on her own, as she took the lead from the start of the race and it was not surprising when she stopped the clock in 35.05, followed by Ketsiso Joseph and Kefilwe Galeitsiwe with a time of 36.21 and 37.39 respectively.

Matlapeng said in an interview that the race was not easy, as he had to unleash his all as he approached the finish line, because of his opponent’s neck-to-neck chase.

“The course had a lot of obstacles and this time we were competing on the lawn, which is very heavy so it was tough, and thanks to all athletes as they came prepared for the race,” he said.

He said he was happy with his time, given that after rankings it might put him in a good position to qualify for the Serbia meet.

Zarbo, who competed in Botswana for the first time, said the race and the challenges were worth it, adding that the race was hard adding that she expected it as the cross country by its nature was a very difficult race.

“The course was up and down and the obstacles needed one to be sharp and think quickly how to approach them,” she said.

Zarbo said she was also happy with her time, adding that it would serve as a morale booster as the season progresses.

Meanwhile, in the men’s U-20 category, Thapelo Galeboe finished on first position with 24.33, followed by Edward Bahile and Onkabetse Kotosi with 25.58 and 26.01.

Gofiwa Batsile led the pack in women’s U-20 category, after clocking 22.36, seconded by Olebogeng Samuel finished with 22.50 and Diteko Kethompile in third position with 24.53.

Botswana national team won the mixed relay with 26.33, followed by BDF Athletics Club with 27.13, while Lions Den finished in third position with 28.31.

The maiden meet sanctioned by World Athletics was organised by Golden Door Sports Agency, in partnership with Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) sponsored by FNB Botswana who injected P500 000 for the meet.

 The meet’s rights owner Golden Door Sports Agency has signed a three-year contract with World Athletics making it an annual event.

It attracted around 140 runners and BAA will use the race results as a yardstick to qualify for the World Cross Country billed for Belgrade, Serbia in March 20. ENDS