Kewane Kesietswe from Seronga and Lasty Kedisa from Boro have been crowned the winners of the female and male youth categories respectively in the Nkashi Classic held in Seronga last weekend.
The 29-year-old Kesietswe clocked 9:31sec in the youth female category, walking away with P10 000 while Kedisa aged 27 clocked 6:31sec in the youth male category pocketing P10 000 as well.
Lesedi Mafoko (27) of Seronga took position two in the youth female category clocking 9:42 sec ahead of the 25-year-old Catherine Mosupa from Jao who clocked 10:29. The duo walked away with P5, 000 and P2, 500 respectively.
The 27-year-old Masasa Mokoya of Seronga secured the 2nd place in the youth male category clocking 6:48sec followed by her local rival Galethophe Samaemo aged 30 who clocked 7:30sec. The duo also pocketed P5, 000 and P2, 500 respectively.
In the adult male category, the 39- year Julius Lesitanye of Matlapana clocking 6:53sec while the 31-year-old Onalethuso Kehemetswe was crowned the winner in the female adult category after recording a time of 8:23. Both of them have been rewarded with P10 000 prize money.
In the doubles category, Gakgamalang Tapisi from Gunotsoga and Mmalegae Dimbo from Xao emerged the champions after clocking 6:5sec. The duo pocketed P10 000.
In the male veteran category, the 61-year-old Obusitswe Kagiso of Boro was crowned the winner after recording a time 7:17 sec while in the female veteran category the 61-year-old Tshegofatso Kesenoletse of Seronga emerged the winner after clocking 8:36sec.
The prize money amounting to P122 500 was awarded across all categories of this year’s event and all finalists receives a goodie bag with a variety of prizes and vouchers. The distance for the races was 1km across all categories.
The Nkashi Classic had attracted people and polers from across the Okavango and beyond, showcasing their skills, determination, and dedication to be crowned “Okavango Delta’s Fastest Poler. It evolved from celebrating cultural diversity and protecting indigenous heritage, to also promoting socio-economic inclusion. In an interview, the event organisers had previously stated that it blends thrill of sports, the richness of cultural heritage, and the spirit of community, offering a unique and unforgettable experience along the river. They had also indicated that the event serves as a platform to honour and embrace Botswana’s diverse cultural.
