Sports

Letsile returns with Pillay face-off

Calistus Kolantsho | Friday February 17, 2023 15:40

Making strides: Tebogo will compete outside the borders for the first time this year PIC: WORLD ATHLETICS
 
Making strides: Tebogo will compete outside the borders for the first time this year PIC: WORLD ATHLETICS

Fast legs are expected at this most prestigious high school athletics event in Southern Africa. The event is approved by Athletics South Africa (ASA) and World Athletics (WA), sanctioned by Gauteng North Athletics and supported by the Tshwane University of Technology.

Tebogo will be amongst a strong field of elite athletes expected at the one-day event. The World Junior 100m record-holder has a date with World Junior 400m champion, Lythe Pillay in the 300m stretch. Tebogo’s coach, Kebonyemodisa Dose Mosimanyane told MmegiSport that everything is going well ahead of the race. “All is well; we will use the race as part of our training, which means we will continue with our normal training this week and replace our Saturday workout with the race tomorrow,” he said.

Mosimanyane said Tebogo has never competed in the 300m race but he has run a good 400m this season, which means he will be alright in his debut. He said there is no need for any special race plan. “Tebogo will be going head-to-head against Pillay for the first time. Pillay is a 400m specialist and Tebogo on the other hand is a 100m and 200m guy.

So it is difficult to tell who will have an upper hand. We expect an entertaining, clean race. We are looking forward to it,” he said. For his part, Tebogo said he was fired up ahead of the race. He said there is no pressure because the season is starting and together with his coach they are taking it easy and formulating a plan that can work for them.

He said it is a long season and it is important to avoid burning out. “There are many competitions coming up this year, including the World Championships. So, it is better for me to take it easy and protect myself against fatigue. But I am ready to handle Pillay,” Tebogo said. Other professional athletes expected at the Curro Podium Athletics Meeting include Africa 400m champion, Miranda Coetzee and Olympians, Akani Simbine, Clarence Munyai, Gift Leotlela, Zakhiti Nene, Thapelo Phora and Carina Horn.