Thebe Makes A Promising Comeback
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday January 15, 2018 17:00
It was the first time that the BAA held an event under floodlights.
Thebe has had a bad season, marred by injuries. Some athletics commentators were starting to write him off. It was indeed soul soothing to see him closing in to the finishing line without pressure to win the race in a time of 21.16.
Coming second was Xholani Talane, clocking 21.84, with Onkabetso Nkobolo coming third with a time of 22.01.
Thebe told Sport Monitor after the race that he was using the race to improve his speed. “It has been a tough season for me due to injuries. I started well off the blocks, but I had to be careful taking into consideration my muscle,” he said.
Thebe said at the beginning he had to make sure that his muscle was stable.
He said his injury has now healed and it was time to reclaim his throne. He said his intention was to run 100m but ended up shifting to a longer race. He said the plan is to improve his time when he competes in Francistown at the end of the month. Thebe said he is working hard to reclaim his form.
In another men’s 200m heat final, Gaone Maotoanong claimed the first position with a time of 21.44 with Karabo Mothibi finishing second with a time of 21.52. Thabo Molapo was third with a time of 22.08.
The women’s 200m final was a marvel to watch. The rivalry between Christine Botlogetswe and Loungo Matlhaku was the highlight of the race.
The duo reached the finishing line at the same time with, Botlogetswe claiming the first position by clocking 23.84. Matlhaku was closely behind her and finished in 23.94. In the third spot was Galefele Moroko with a time of 25.94.
Botlogetswe said as a 400m runner, competing in the 200m was to gauge her readiness for the year. “It was a fun race. I was here to practise and it was worth it,” she said.
Other results:
5000m: Rapula Diphoko (14.46.58), Sesebo Matlapeng
(14.46.76) and Sylvester Koko (15.13.37)
400m (women): Nancy Budzani (1:02.93), Kendy Theetso (1.03.98) and August Pelaelo (1.11.01)
400m (men): Victor Ntweng (48.46), Zibane Ngozi (49.27) and Leungo Scotch (49.48)
High jump (men): Tsame Lebelonyane (6.78), Ruri Rammokolodi (6.77) and
Bosa Moetsi (6.51)
Triple jump: Thalosang Tshireletso (15.55) and Titose Chilume (12.73).