Pesela, Thebe make a comeback
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday February 6, 2026 09:21
Baboloki Thebe, Anthony Pesela and Bernard Olesitse will make their comeback to the track after being missing in action last season. Thebe has been out of action following a car accident in 2020 while Pesela was part of the men’s 4x400m relay team that won a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Thebe and Pesela will clash in the men’s 150m main event heat. As for Olesitse, the athlete has been struggling with injuries that forced him to the sidelines the entire season. The event is a unique over-distance track and field competition designed to test an athlete’s speed and endurance.
One of the organisers and coach Chilume Ntshwarang said the challenge is an annual event meant to assess coaches and athletes’ level of fitness in their preparations.
He highlighted that the athletes will compete in unique events, with 400m runners competing in the 600m and 300m events.
“We have exciting events that will entertain spectators the entire day. We have athletes who are making a comeback, such as Pesela, Thebe, and Olesitse, who want to be fully fit ahead of the World Athletics Relays that we are hosting in Gaborone. The 400m world champion, Collen Kebinatshipi, his training partner, Lee Bhekempile Eppie and Boitumelo Masilo will be competing,” Ntshwarang said. Some of the women athletes who have confirmed participation in the 300m are Loungo Matlhaku, Obakeng Kamberuka, Galefele Moroko and Ame Bogoma. Kebinatshipi and Eppie, Masilo, and Lefatshe Seleka are part of the 600m line-up.
Heats Men 150m: Patlo Seretse, Moabi Keaitse, Phenyo Majama, Bonang Namogang, Thebe, Calvin Omphile, Pesela, and Lefa Ludic.
Men 150m: Gosaitse Olebetse, Mothusi Boitshwarelo, Setensolo Sibanda, Prince Selepe, Thapelo Monaiwa, Tumo Van Wyk, Justice Oratile, and Thuso Omphile.
Women 150m: Palesa Basinyi, Bophelo Ragabo, Warona Thonisani, Tshegofatso Bojosi, Lone Madzimule, Khumo Gaonakala, Candy Batisani, and Katlego Sam.
Women 60m: Lame Bogodu, Maitumelo Serumula, Obakwe Okhutile, Nonofo Sebako, Nancy Budzani, Lone Madzimule, Khumo Gaonakala, and Theo Keorapetse.