Moorosi Tsiane
MAMOROALLO Tjoka and Jobo Khatoane yesterday cruised to victory in the Bocheletsane Half-Marathon in Mantšonyane in the female and male categories respectively.
Tjoka clocked 1:25:45:06 while Khatoane clocked 1:08:17:99.
Tjoka, who hails from Thaba-Tseka was followed by Ntebaleng Letsela as the first runner-up while Makampong Letsie was the second runner-up in the female category.
The Mokhotlong based Khatoane, was followed by Tebello Ramotongoa while Lebenya Nkoka came third.
In the male category Khatoane was just too hot to handle for his fellow competitors as he led the pack from the start until the finish line.
Manqabang Tšibela and Thebe Semoko won the five-kilometre race.
Tjoka’s experience on the other hand, worked in her favour as she paced along with the other runners until the last five kilometres when she broke out.
The half-marathon along with the MGC MGC Soccer Spectacular, are part of Matekane Group of Companies’ (MGC) pre-celebrations of the official opening of their Mantšonyane Project set for 15 April 2019. The Mantšonyane Project is the brainchild of MGC founder Sam Matekane where the company has built primary and secondary schools, sports facilities and a church for the community as part of its social corporate initiative (CSI).
The jubilant Tjoka told the Sunday Express after the race that she was happy to finally win a race in her district.
“I am happy with the results because this is my home, so it feels good to win a race here,” Tjoka said.
“I think the competition was fair but also not really good for me, so I just had a normal race as I am trying to prepare for upcoming races.”
Khatoane who specialises in half-marathons said he was impressed with his performance and saying this was the second race that he has won in three months Mantsonyane.
“It was a good race for me and I am happy that I won especially because there were some veteran runners here whom I think made it more interesting,” Khatoane said.
Lesotho Amateur Athletics Association spokesperson Sejanamane Maphathe also hailed the event and said the turnout was impressive.
“I am impressed with how our athletes responded to this race. The turn up is good especially because it was a short notice. Hopefully, the sponsors were also impressed,” Maphathe said.
Maphathe said they are also planning to engage MGC to plead with its leadership for funds to make the race an annual event.
“When we have more races, our athletes save costs as they will not need to travel to South Africa for various races to keep fit or amass points to qualify for bigger competitions. So, we will sit down with the sponsors of the event so that they can make the race an annual occurrence,” Maphathe said.