MASERU — Mabuthile Lebopo is struggling to shake off an injury ahead of the Soweto Marathon next month.
Lebopo is one of the runners who are tipped to win the prestigious race on November 6 in Soweto, Johannesburg.
Last year, the Mafeteng-born athlete won the Two Oceans Marathon and expectations were that the victory would buoy him to do well at the Soweto Marathon this time around.
However, Lebopo told the Lesotho Times on Monday this week that he is in a race against time to be fit for the marathon.
He said he was unsure if he will take part in the race because of a fresh injury he picked up last Thursday.
He said he was on course to recover from a previous injury before the recent setback.
“On Thursday I got another injury. I have been treating it ever since and going to a physiotherapist every day. At this moment I’m not sure if I will be able to go (to the Soweto Marathon),” Lebopo said.
“If I’m going I will just be going just to support other runners.”
Lebopo said he would be able to tell next Wednesday whether he will be fit enough to compete.
“I think next week Wednesday I will know if I will be able to go. I also want to give myself time,” he said.
Lesotho runners’ preparations have been in full swing for the Soweto Marathon which has been a fertile hunting ground for local runners in recent years.
Last year Lebenya Nkoka won the men’s race while ’Mamoroallo Tjoka crossed the tape first in the women’s category.
Tjoka has won the women’s race at the Soweto marathon five times, earning her the title “Queen of Soweto”.
Both Nkoka and Tjoka are set to defend their titles in Soweto.
Lesotho is expected to have a strong contingent at the event including Motlokoa Nkhabutlane, Moeketsi Mosuhli, Teboho Sello and Warinyane Lebopo.
Their preparations have been smoothened after their long-running dispute with the Lesotho Amateur Athletics Association over racing permits was resolved recently.
