Club’s plans come to fruition

It took three podium finishes at the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) cross-country championship in September to convince East Athletics Club founder, Monde Maduna, that his project is coming to fruition.

Maduna’s three proteges, Siyanda Madlabane, Hlengiwe Nkosi and Thato Sesoko finished among the top athletes at the event. Maduna knew immediately that his plans to unearth and nurture young track and field and road running athletes in Daveyton are bearing fruit.

“We focus on developing and identifying talent in our area,” he said.

A committed coach with a keen interest in fitness and healthy living, Maduna founded the club in 2018 to produce athletes who will be the flag bearers of Daveyton.

Among many of his plans is to foster change in the way people live in the community.

“We want to be part of the solution by creating a drug-free neighbourhood. Our mission is to eliminate youth misdemeanours by inculcating a sense of responsibility in our young people,” Maduna commented.

With no famous name from Daveyton in the athletics fraternity, Maduna stated that his job is to develop well-rounded athletes who will become the pride of the community.

In Siyanda Madlabane, in particular, Maduna only has to ensure the cross-country sensation is well looked after. He is among the best talents in the country in his division.

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The 11-year-old dominated the CGA cross-country season, topping it with a gold medal at the national cross-country championship in Rustenburg.

Nkosi and Sesoko are also among many others who are destined for long and great careers in athletics if Maduna’s plans go accordingly.

“We currently have around forty athletes competing in various CGA events.

“We want to grow the club by increasing the number of social runners. We want to encourage community members to adopt a healthy lifestyle.”

Maduna envisions a fully-fledged club that will become a beacon of hope in Daveyton. With the likes of Madlabane and Nkosi buying into his vision, positive results on the track and road will likely bring hope to youth in despair.

“We recently received support from the Lotto Commission and were able to procure sporting apparel for our youth and sub-youth divisions.

“The club is also working on attracting sponsors or donors for equipment like hurdles, high jump and landing board, javelins, shot put, agility hurdles, and cones which are not available in our sporting amenities in the township,” he concluded.

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