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Francistown \u2014 Wazha Matakule of Lions Dean Athletics Club from Gaborone has qualified for the World Athletics U20 Championships during the Sua Pan Athletics Club’s under-18 and under-20 track and field meet held on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The vibrant and energetic Matakule put up a spirited fight in the 200-metre race clocking 21.24 beating the qualifying standard of 21.25.<\/p>\n
His coach, Nico Manyepedza, said Matakule’s qualification marked strong progress, more so that he had already secured a 100-metre qualifying time of 10.49 at the just ended Southern Africa Confederation of Athletic Associations (SACA) Championships held in Mauritius on June 6.<\/p>\n
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Both times meet the entry standard for the World Athletics U20 Championships set for Eugene, Oregon, United States of America from August 4 to 9, 2026.<\/p>\n
\n However, Lions Dean Athletics Club dominated the Sua Pan meet, taking first and second places in several final races while Tati Athletics Club was strongest in the runner-up positions.<\/p>\n In the under-18 women’s 100m final, Leo Kgakole of Lions Dean opened a clear gap to win and Game Oneile of Tati Athletics also displayed an impressive performance.<\/p>\n In the men’s Under 18, Botlhe Maphane of Isaac Makwala Athletics Club finished in position one with a time of 11.28 in 100m, just outside his personal best of 11.25. Prince Ngubevana of Lefika Athletics Club clocked 11.59 also against a personal best of 11.30.<\/p>\n Sua Pan Athletics Club secretary, Gaone Masugae said the meet went ahead despite a low turnout caused by short notice and financial delays.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The event, she said aimed to select athletes for both the World Athletics U20 Championships billed for the USA and the Youth Competitions to be held Mozambique in December 2026.<\/p>\n The meet also attracted members of the national women’s 400m squad which is preparing for Commonwealth Games competition.<\/p>\n
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