Moorosi Tsiane
Maseru
Sprint king Mosito Lehata is determined to excel at the South African Athletics Championship scheduled for next month in Pretoria, while he has also targeted to end the year among the top 10 sprinters in the world.
The 100 and 200-metre star, who is currently at the Mauritius High Performance Training Centre, told the Sunday Express the April 11-12 championship would be part of his preparations for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 – August 3.
The 25-year-old athlete said his preparations have been going on well, although he still needs to work extra-hard if he is to excel at the Commonwealth Games.
“Last month, I was in Australia and competed at the Perth Track Classic where I came second and third in the 100 and 200-metre races, respectively.
“It was a good performance, but I know I will have to work extra-hard to beat the field in Scotland, and also be among the best sprinters in the world.
“My aim is to finish the year among the top 10 sprinters in the world; the sky is the limit and all I need to do is work extra hard,” said Lehata.
Before the Commonwealth Games, Lehata said he would like to take part in at-least 13 international competitions.
“I want to do 13 competitions before the Commonwealth Games, so the Pretoria championship is one of those competitions. In athletics, you only get better with competitions, hence this target that I have set myself.”
Lehata further said what is also exciting him about the Pretoria event is he would be up against the reigning African 100-metre champion.
“I will be up against the current African champion in the 100 metres, which is something that I believe will help me improve my time.”
The Matsieng-born runner also said although he sometimes faces stiff challenges, his guiding principle is concentrating on the task at hand.
“There are always challenges and difficulties in life, but like I said, I cannot pay attention to those setbacks because I always have to stay positive and focused.”
Meanwhile, Lehata said he failed to compete in the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) world indoor championships held last weekend in Poland after failing to obtain a visa.
“There is no Polish embassy in Mauritius, so I couldn’t get a visa.”