Young athletes lead the charge

Chelsea van Dyk is looking forward to defending her national title while Siyanda Madlabane will fight to win a gold medal for CGA at the ASA national cross-country championships in Vanderbijlpark on September 7.

The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) junior runners were in sublime form during the CGA cross-country championships on August 17 at the Kagiso Sports Complex, when they successfully defended their provincial titles.

Van Dyk won the U13 girls’ 3km gold in a dominant 14:31 after leading the race from the gun to the tape, for her second successive title.

After an aggressive start, she left the two girls, Boipleo Maroga of Caster Semenya’s Masai AC and Zanele Mzizi from LAFA, who offered her some competition this season playing catch-up with a strong lead after the first loop to take control of the race.

“The first kilometre was hard but I kept going because I knew people were going to tire because of the heat. I went hard in the first 1km and maintained my pace from there,” Van Dyk said.

Although it’s going to be hard with her rival Xantè Harris in the race, she’s looking forward to defending the title she won in Gqeberha last year.

Madlabane plans to upgrade his silver from the previous nationals to a gold. He didn’t lose a single league meeting this season and capped it off with a perfect race to capture the provincial title with a dominant 12:23.

Neo Nkeane claimed the silver in 12:41 and Menzi Ncapai was third in 12:50.

“The race was okay. I felt comfortable but I’m used to such situations. This was a test to see how I would perform at the nationals. I want to win the gold from CGA,” he said.

“I want to firstly thank my coach for all he does for us. When we don’t have transport fare, he uses his own money to get us to training and competitions. I would also like to thank the parents for their support.”

Also Read: Van Dyk wins gold at nationals

Over 10 BNAC youngsters sealed their qualification for the nationals with incredible performances in their events and categories.

Young Tamica Lloyd made the top six after finishing fifth in the U13 girls’ 3km race to qualify for her first nationals. She clocked 15:52.

“I want to jump. I’ve never done it before. I’m so happy,” she said.

Dominique Broughton won the U8 girls 1km gold in 04:47, while Bontle Makgalemele finished sixth in 05:10. Henry Hamman also qualified for the nationals after placing fifth in the boys’ race.

Alexia Visser clocked a quick-fire 08:40 for the silver in the U9 girls’ 2km race and Joshua Helena was sixth in the boys’ race.

“I felt strong. The route was hard with all the down and up hills. I really pushed myself and I’m happy I’m going to the nationals,” she said.

Bokamoso Nonyane clinched the gold in the U10 boys’ 2km event while Nqobile Maseko and Kayla Botha sealed their spots after completing their races fourth and sixth, respectively.

Jade Doran ran a tactical race to grab the U15 girls’ 4km race bronze in a time of 16:46 and Samukelo Msibi clocked 15:38 for fifth in the U14 boys’ 4km race.

Others who will represent the club and CGA at Izak Steyl Stadium are Khaya Madonsela, Mila Rossouw and Carmen Kotze.

Also Read: Northerns runner rues missed opportunity at national championships