Before the start of the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) cross-country season, the Langaville Athletics and Fitness Club (Lafa) coaches, Isaac Kgaphola and Lucia Sithole, told their athletes that at the end of the season, they want to see them in the team to represent the province at the nationals on September 7.
Kgaphola and Sithole then set out to help the youngsters earn their provincial colours to get a sneak peek of what it feels like to compete in a national event and at that level.
“Everything worked out well because when we started the season, we told them we wanted to see them dressed in the provincial colours in August,” said Sithole.
The coaches beamed with pride when Buhle Mahlangu, Banele Mkhehle, Thoko Ndlovu, Zanele Mzizi and Minenhle Kgaphola received their CGA colours at the Germiston Stadium on August 25.
The five athletes qualified to represent the CGA at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Cross Country Championships at Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark after dominating their events during the provincial champs in Kagiso on August 17.
“When we trained, we had targets and always emphasised resting to avoid injuries. Our schedule was tight because the events were close to each other, but we managed to perform beyond our expectations,” said Kgaphola.
Lafa’s intentions became clear in league one in Tsakane when Zanele Mzizi set the tone for her teammates with a quick 12:16 for second place in the opening race of the season.
Minenhle Kgaphola and Banele Mkhehle then won their events, while there were decent performances by Sanele Mthembu, Thobile Nkala and Thoko Ndlovu.
At the halfway mark in league four in Dobsonville, Sithole started to see some progress, but it was after the seventh league meeting in Germiston when a limping Mzizi incredibly clocked a top-two finish in her race that she believed their goal would be achieved.
“She was injured. But she carried on because she knew the leagues were important,” Sithole said.
She added, “After the Dobsonville league, we saw how determined they were. We told them they were on the right track and that if they pushed themselves, they would earn their provincial jackets. They have achieved that goal.”
Kgaphola expressed his excitement at what the club has achieved, adding that the aim is to see one of the athletes represent the country in the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships.
“I’m incredibly happy. Since the start of the season, the children performed well. They always finished in the top five. I want to see them perform at the Olympics one day.”
Kwatsaduza contingent at nationals
Besides the five runners from Lafa, 16 athletes from Mamepe Striders, Tsakane AC, and Maxed Elite will represent Kwatsaduza.
Palesa and Pabalelo Ramatladi, Kedibone and Kedi Mohwang, Goodman Cingo, Kamohelo Makhanya, Thabiso Mokgohla, Zanele Maisa and Sechaba Qhoaisa will all represent Mamepe.
Veterans Moeletsi Moletsane and Themba Miya and youngsters Maletsatsi Mnisi and Ntando Mokoka will represent Tsakane, with top runner Pule Tjaoana representing Maxed Elite.
