Top 5 Athletes of 2022
1. Letsile Tebogo Letsile Tebogo has been on of the big achievers in local sport, the 100m and 200m sprinter has had a momentous year, smashing records and winning medals for his country. Tebogo captivated the world when he broke the World Under 20 100m record with a time of 9.91s at the Junior World Athletics Champions held in Kenya this year, from the same competition he won gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m. The star boy also managed to grab the attention of the legendary 100m and 200m record holder, Usain Bolt who gave him thumps up following his top tier performances. Most definitely a bright future is ahead, we wish him nothing but the very best in 2023.
2. Kabelo Steven Bagwasi The local pugilist makes it to second spot following his triumph and dominance this year, the Drad Boxing superstar was crowned the new WBF featherweight champion after outclassing Tanzania’s Said Chino for the international title bout in August this year, the bout was held at the UB Indoor Sports Center, the hard hitting boxer was expected to defend his title this December but the fight could not go through as his opponent had visa complications.
3. Kutlwano “El Chino” Ogaketse El Chino has shown his ring IQ and ability to dominate opponents, his explosiveness was seen against Talent Baloyi at the Sandton’s Premier Event when he lost by majority decision back in October. Despite dominating the fight, the Drad Boxing Stable southpaw had an amazing 2022. Having started the year with a victory over Prince Ndlovu of South Africa by a unanimous decision back in January, he went on to annihilate Kabelo Bikitsha at the ESPN Africa Boxing, winning with a majority decision victory in April this year. Our prayers and wish is that you get a title fight in 2023.
4. Refilwe Tholakale Tholakele is one of the names to remember from the 2022 AWCON, the towering striker has scored wonder goals at the tournament and had everyone talking about her radically distinctive technique and skill over the ball, she led the Mares upfront through her determination and strength, scoring two of the most exquisite goals in the tournament. She later attracted attention from many teams across the continent and ended at Malabo Kings in Equatorial Guinea, but her stint was short lived as she returned back home. May 2023 bring you some of the best goals, Refilwe.
5. Bonang Bebeto Otlhagile Bebeto has had scintillating and sparkling football career but no doubt her best moments came this year when the veteran defender led the Senior Women’s Football National Team, the Mares to their first ever Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (Awcon). Although the team was not successful in Morocco, where the tournament was held, Bebeto had the best tournament leading the team from the back and giving them the much needed shape. All the best in your future endeavors captain.