Lesotho’s top road cyclists are aiming to make a strong impression at the Lucara Botswana Cycling Challenge, with national star Kabelo Makatile leading the country’s medal hopes in Letlhakane, Botswana, this weekend.
The annual event, which takes place on 26 July 2026, is expected to attract some of Southern Africa’s finest cyclists from Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho. Beyond the racing, the challenge is organised to bring the Letlhakane community together in promoting health and wellbeing.
All eyes will be on Makatile, who returns to the race determined to go one better after finishing runner-up in last year’s edition. He will headline Lesotho’s campaign in the Elite Men’s 120-kilometre race.
The Basotho ace arrives in Botswana in excellent form following an impressive domestic campaign. He claimed victory at the National Criterium Championships staged at Makonayane Square in Maseru on July 6 before adding another podium finish with third place at the National Mountain Bike Championships held at Lepereng on July 17.
Lesotho’s challenge in the men’s categories will also feature Khotsofalang Rakaota and Thato Tlouoe, who will compete in the Under-23 120km race, while promising youngster Seutloali Morie lines up in the Youth 60km event.
In the women’s competition, Pontšo Makatile and LebohangSelepe will fly the national flag in the Women’s Junior 90km race.
The team is under the guidance of coach Moeketsi Makatile, who believes the competition will provide an important platform for the country’s emerging riders to gain valuable international experience.
“This is an important competition for our cyclists, especially the younger ones like Thato, Seutloali and Lebohang, because it gives them international racing experience,” Makatile said.
The experienced coach expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations and is confident Lesotho can challenge for top honours across several categories.
“I hope it will be a good race. We have prepared well and that gives me confidence that we will perform strongly.
“There are three riders, Kabelo, Pontšo and Rakaota, from whom I expect nothing less than podium finishes. They have competed in this race before and know what it takes.”
While international exposure remains a key objective, the Lesotho camp is equally motivated by the attractive prize purse on offer at one of Botswana’s premier cycling events.
“We are not going there just to participate. We are also going there to compete for the big prizes because this is one of the best-paying cycling races in Botswana,” Makatile said.
The Lesotho squad arrived in Botswana yesterday and will complete its final preparations ahead of Sunday’s races, where the team hopes to return home with podium finishes and further strengthen the country’s growing reputation in regional cycling.
Summary
- He claimed victory at the National Criterium Championships staged at Makonayane Square in Maseru on July 6 before adding another podium finish with third place at the National Mountain Bike Championships held at Lepereng on July 17.
- The team is under the guidance of coach Moeketsi Makatile, who believes the competition will provide an important platform for the country’s emerging riders to gain valuable international experience.
- The Lesotho squad arrived in Botswana yesterday and will complete its final preparations ahead of Sunday’s races, where the team hopes to return home with podium finishes and further strengthen the country’s growing reputation in regional cycling.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
