Northerns coach determined to succeed

Benoni Northerns Athletics Club coach Sonja Ferreira believes that to succeed in the sport, athletes should have a passion and purpose for what they do.

The middle- and long-distance specialist told the City Times her career in athletics was driven by passion and will to succeed.

She is now a coach who is determined to see her youngsters grace the sport and become well-rounded competitors.

“I am focused on the mental and physical development of our youth. I am passionate about bringing children into the athletics community.

“My junior athletes are my passion. They are extremely dedicated and I enjoy working with them. We are very lucky to have the amazing facilities at Benoni Northerns, and I believe we will continue to grow from strength to strength,” she said.

Several of Ferreira’s protégés are already beginning to taste success locally and nationally. She attributed this success to teamwork.

“I am always blessed and proud to have my athletes represent Northerns and Central Gauteng Athletics at such events. It gives me joy and pride that I made a difference in the future of these athletes. The Northerns juniors are so talented and all these accolades are as a result of the effort of the whole team.”

She said South Africa is steadily producing promising middle- and long-distance athletes, but these events are dominated by countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya on the IAAF and Olympics circuits, while on the track and field, the spotlight is always on the Jamaicans and Americans. Ferreira believes South Africa is capable of upsetting the status quo but more funding and commitment is needed from administrators.

“South Africa and CGA have excellent young athletes coming through the ranks. I believe with the correct funding and support from our authorities, we could compete with any of the world’s best.

“I would like to see more youth-focused training centres and coaches being into the athletics environment.”

Ferreira said she is determined to see the children rise to stardom and achieve success. However, they must take sport seriously.

“I tell my young athletes they can grow up to become anything they want to be. The most important thing is that they have self-belief backed by happiness and passion for what they do.”

Those who want to join BNAC may contact Ferreira on 071 332 6372 or at juniorsBNAC@gmail.com for more details.

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