Lesotho athletes excel on global stage

NTHAKO MAJORO

MASERU – This past weekend witnessed outstanding performances from three Lesotho athletes who showcased their prowess in diverse competitions held beyond the nation’s borders. Mokulubete Makatisi, Tebello Ramakongoana, and ’Mamosebetsi Khajoane proudly represented Lesotho in South Africa, Japan, and Botswana, respectively.

Makatisi, slated to represent the nation at the upcoming African Games in Ghana, secured victory in the Nelson Mandala Bay 10-kilometre event, clocking an impressive 33.4 in Gqeberha, South Africa, last Sunday. Ramakongoana, the first Lesotho athlete to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games, achieved a new national record at the Osaka Marathon in Japan on the same day.

Despite finishing just outside the top 10 (position 12) out of 248 competitors, Ramakongoana completed the marathon in 2:08:09, breaking the previous national record of 2:09:47 set in Paris in 2017 by Motlokoa Nkhabutlane. Reflecting on the challenging conditions, Ramakongoana remarked: “The Osaka Marathon was challenging due to the adverse winter weather in Japan, and many athletes could not finish the race. I had to endure running against a strong wind, but I persevered until the end.”

Khajoane, participating in her first-ever full marathon, secured the sixth position in the Kazungula Bridge Marathon in Botswana on Saturday, finishing in 3:03:47. Although she slightly missed her initial target of completing the marathon in less than three hours, Khajoane expressed satisfaction with her performance.

“It was a nice run for me. Running a full marathon was not as tough as I had anticipated.” Khajoane was positioned behind Botswana’s Sheila Saina and South Africa’s Nobukhosi Tshuma (fourth and fifth, respectively) with times of 2:52:13 and 2:50:34.

The women’s winner of the Kazungula Bridge Marathon was Ethel Pangiso of Zimbabwe, clocking in at 2:42:18, followed by two Kenyans, Rholex Jelimo and Susy Chemaimak, in second and third positions, respectively. Lesotho’s athletes continue to make significant strides on the international stage, showcasing their dedication and skill in various competitions around the world.