Namibian sprint sensations Beatrice Masilingi and Christine Mboma are set to return to the international stage this Saturday.

She will compete in the 100metre (m) event at the Botswana Continental Gold meet.

Their coach Henk Botha said the duo will not be racing in their preferred 200m event, as it is not on the competition programme. 

“They will both be running in the 100m. This marks a significant comeback for both athletes. This is our fight to return to the international level. But fans should manage expectations – we’re not chasing great times just yet,” he said.

Both Mboma and Masilingi have previously faced eligibility challenges under World Athletics’ regulations concerning differences of sexual development.

This limited their participation in certain events. However, the pair is now gradually making their return.

Since the beginning of this year, Masilingi has actively participated in several indoor track events in Europe, showcasing remarkable performances.

At the International Flanders Athletics Meeting (Ghent, Belgium, 1 February), Masilingi set a new national indoor record in the 200m with a time of 23.65 seconds.

She surpassed the previous record of 25.71 seconds. 

In the 60m event, she achieved a personal best of 7.35 seconds during the heats, breaking the Namibian record.

 She equalled her 60m record of 7.35 seconds in the heats, and secured a bronze medal in the final with a time of 7.52 seconds. 

At the Youth Open Meet (8 February), Masilingi improved her 200m record, winning gold with a time of 23.54 seconds.

 She claimed silver in the 60m with a time of 7.52 seconds. 

Aalsterse Meet (mid-February), she continued her record-breaking streak by winning gold in the 200m with a time of 23.32 seconds, and secured silver in the 60m with a time of 7.45 seconds. 

These performances qualified Masilingi for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China in March.

However, she injured her shoulder while warming up. 

Masilingi has recovered from her injury. Mboma recently made her 2025 debut at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Grand Prix at the University of Johannesburg. 

She competed in the women’s 100m heat, and finished second with a time of 12.07 seconds, behind compatriot Jade Nangula. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na