Long distance local runners Sechaba Bohosi and upcoming female youngster Mpho Moeti have been invited to participate at the Angolan Road race on New Year's eve.

The duo left the country on Monday morning for Angola after being given free air tickets for the race.

In an interview, Lesotho Amateur Athletics Association (LAAA) Spokesperson Mr. Sejanamane Maphathe said the duo has been selected on merit and that they stand a chance of attracting international agents from abroad.

He said if they do well, the duo will also benefit handsomely in terms of finances as there are handsome cash prizes at stake.

Mr. Maphathe said best athletes from other countries like Eritrea, Kenya and Ethiopia have been invited to participate at this Angolan road race.

This is the first time Lesotho athletes are invited to participate at a race of this nature.

Meanwhile, Mr. Maphathe also noted that results of the athletes whose samples were taken for doping tests after the Lesotho High Altitude Summer Marathon have been announced and they have been found to be free of any prohibited substances.

He said this indicates that their athletes are complying with international standards and urged them to keep it up.

He also expressed hope that even those who were not subjected to testing are not using any prohibited substances as he said this can get them into serious trouble if found guilty.

This means the athletes will now be able to receive their prizes which were withheld pending the outcome of the doping drug test.

Drug doping tests were conducted on those who finished as the top three in the 42.2 kilometre and 21.1kilometre races.

Phatlalla Mohloli scooped the men's 42.2 kilometre race and will pocket a M50 000 prize money while a Zimbabwean national Samkeliso Moyo did the same in the female standard marathon.

Source: LENA 28/12/2009