Qacha’snek, April.13 — Mr. Tebello Ramakongoana, Lesotho’s marathon runner who won the Durban challenge last month has today received a certificate and money from the Qacha’s Nek Wool and Mohair Growers Association (QWMGA).
This occurred at a two-day small stock show held at Makhaola woolshed by QWMGA in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The QWMGA Chairman Mr. Mothibeli Makhetha said they saw it fit to gift Mr. Ramakongoana after his victory.
“As wool and mohair, we wanted to encourage youngsters to engage in athletics as well
as we already have high unemployment rate, therefore they too could make a living out of sports,” he said.
In an interview with the Agency, Mr. Ramakongoana expressed gratitude for the love and support he has been receiving from Melele.
“I am very happy to see my ‘homies’ supporting me like this. It is very motivating and they are yet to be happier than they already are. I wish more blessings for them from God.” said the 27-year old adding “I am really humbled by what QWMGA did today.”
Mr. Ramakongoana, born and raised in Qacha’s Nek, Ha Mohlapiso was warmly welcomed from Qacha’s Nek border gate last month with melodious songs, ululations, emotional hugs and tears of joy by the district residents, friends and family with a convoy of cars and people waved open palms for him on the sides of the road as he passed.
The Olympic Scholarship holder won the 2023 marathon on March 12 in a record time of 2:10:11.
He broke away from the main field just after halfway and ran solo to the end in a pursuit to break the National Record and qualify for the 2023 World Championships (the qualifying time is 2:09:40).
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