Mikia Kalati
THE Lesotho Amateur Athletics Association (LAAA) will host its track and field National Senior Championship in Mafeteng this Saturday as they gear-up for the August All Africa Games set for Algeria.
LAAA public relations officer Sejanamane Maphathe told this publication that all their top athletes including sprint star Mosito Lehata will be in action at the event scheduled for Leshoboro Stadium.
He said that they are working to set up a strong team for Algeria in August while athletes also have a chance of securing qualification for the World Championships scheduled for Doha in September this year.
“Yes, we will be staging the National Senior Championship in Mafeteng at Leshoboro Stadium next weekend,” Maphathe told this publication.
“It’s open to all runners coming from our member associations in the 10 districts of Lesotho. We are expecting all our top runners including the likes of Lehata.”
Lehata, who is back training in the country after a difficult spell in Bloemfontein troubled by injuries, is yet to compete in 2019 and will be the main attraction in Mafeteng along with triple and long jump star, Lerato Sechele, who has been in great form in the new-year winning three competitions in South Africa.
“All the athletes will be available because it’s a national championship so that we can select a team for the All Africa Games and the World Championships.
“For the world championships, athletes must reach certain times to qualify but we will also be identifying new talent on the day.
“Of course, Sechele is in top form at the moment and might not have a challenge. She is very good at this stage.
“There is a big gap between her, Lehata and the other athletes. It will surely take us time to get athletes to be on their level but that’s our main goal.
“We want to get good replacements for them but with Lerato, she still has age on her side. We will soon unveil a talent identification project to scout for young talent across the country.
“The plan will be to host another track and field championship but for younger athletes. That will help us a lot in bridging that gap that we currently have at the moment.
“But for the Mafeteng championships, there will be medals for all the winners in different categories as well as trophies for districts that will perform well,” Maphathe said.
