Athletes regroup for second CGA Track and Field league
After being granted permission by the government through Athletics South Africa (ASA) to host track and field competitions, including provincial championships, Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) wasted little time in kick-starting the 2021 athletics season at Boksburg City Stadium, on February 20.
The meeting, which was the first of four before the provincial championships come around, attracted athletes from other provinces and even saw international athletes feature. Qatar, Italy and Kenya were some of the countries represented.
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 regulations, numerous talents were again showcased for empty stands, with fans still barred from attending major sporting events.
The day started well for South African long-distance runner Irvette van Zyl, of Nedbank AGN, who secured the first position in the 5 000m in the senior women’s category, clocking 16:55.10.
Van Zyl made her intentions clear from the first lap as she assumed the lead and would never lose it before comfortably securing the winning position. Her teammate, Stella Marais, settled for the runner-up finish in a time of 17:29.80. Cornelia Joubert completed the podium in a time of 18:20.
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A strong contender for the event of the day, however, was the 5 000m men’s race, which was dubbed the ‘do or die’ race because it featured training partners Precious Mashele and Desmond Mokgobu from the training group, which includes renowned athlete Hendrick Ramaala.
Following a close battle in the early stages, Mashele pulled away from Mokgobu in the eighth lap and maintained the pace to outlast his rival to finish in an impressive 14:11.40. Mokgobu clocked 14:34.90.
In the day’s closing events, 400m specialist Lythe Pillay found an extra gear after trailing Qatar national Ibrahim Ismail for more than half the race before taking over in the final 150m to finish in 45.74.
Ismail crossed the line in 47.17.
The CGA series continued at the Boksburg Stadium this past weekend and the third leg will be held on 13 March at the same venue.
CGA March fixtures:
13 – Meeting (Boksburg Stadium)
20 – Meeting (Ruimsig/Boksburg Stadium)
26/27 – Provincial Championships (Ruimsig/Boksburg Stadium).
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