Lesotho's leading road cyclists, Khotsofalang Rakaota and Kabelo Makatile, are set to participate in the 2026 Volta Tour of Angola, which begins on October 9. The 10-stage race will cover various provinces in Angola, including Bié, Huambo, and Huíla, before concluding on October 18. The event has attracted cyclists from several countries, including Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, and Namibia. Rakaota and Makatile will compete under the flag of their Namibia-based club, Namibia Cleaning Chemical Solutions (NCCS) Pro Cycling Team.
The Tour of Angola will provide valuable preparation for the 2026 African Cycling Confederation (CAC) African Road Championships, scheduled for October 21-25 in Kisumu County, Kenya. Makatile expressed readiness for the Angola race, stating it would serve as a good warm-up for the African Championships. The duo's participation in the Angola race marks a significant opportunity for them to gain experience and build momentum ahead of the continental championships.
Rakaota's participation in the Angola race is particularly noteworthy, as he missed the 2026 International Cycling Union (UCI) Road World Championships in Montréal, Canada, due to financial constraints. He was scheduled to compete alongside Pontšo Makatile, but the Lesotho cyclists were unable to make the trip. Liteboho Letlala, relations officer for the Cycling Federation of Lesotho (CFL), cited a lack of funding as the reason for the team's withdrawal from the World Championships.
Despite the setback, Rakaota has enjoyed recent success, becoming the first Lesotho rider to win the MTN Khemani Road Classic. The 20-year-old dominated the 100km Mankayane-to-Gege race in eSwatini, clocking an impressive time of 2:04:20. This victory marked a landmark achievement for Lesotho in road cycling and demonstrated Rakaota's potential as a rising star in the sport.
The Tour of Angola has attracted a diverse field of competitors, with cyclists from Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and Cape Verde, among others, participating in the event. The race will provide a challenging and competitive environment for Rakaota and Makatile to test their skills against top-level opponents. Their performance in the Angola race will be closely watched, as they prepare to represent Lesotho at the African Road Championships.
Makatile's confidence in the team's preparation is evident, as he stated that everything is well and they are ready for the Angola race. The duo's experience competing under the NCCS Pro Cycling Team will likely serve them well, as they navigate the demanding 10-stage event. Their participation in the Tour of Angola and African Road Championships marks a significant milestone in their careers, as they seek to make a positive impact on the international cycling stage.
The African Road Championships will feature top cyclists from across the continent, providing a platform for Rakaota and Makatile to showcase their talents against the best competition. The event will be a crucial test of their endurance, skill, and strategy, as they vie for top honors in Kisumu County, Kenya. With their recent successes and preparations, Rakaota and Makatile are poised to make a strong impression at the championships.
Key points
- Lesotho cyclists Khotsofalang Rakaota and Kabelo Makatile to compete in Tour of Angola and African Road Championships
- Rakaota and Makatile will compete under the flag of their Namibia-based club, Namibia Cleaning Chemical Solutions (NCCS) Pro Cycling Team
- The Tour of Angola will provide valuable preparation for the 2026 African Cycling Confederation (CAC) African Road Championships
