Coach to help athlete achieve her goal
“She’s never been to the nationals since becoming an athlete. I want to help her achieve that goal.”
The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) juniors coach, Nkanyiso Mthembu, aims to help Carmen Kotze find her stride and qualify for the cross-country national championships later this year.
Kotze has never competed at the nationals since putting on her spikes for the first time some years ago.
Mthembu has made it his mission to help the youngster fulfil her goal of earning her provincial colours for clubs’ and schools’ cross-country champs.
“I want her to have the experience of competing at that level. She’s never been to the nationals since becoming an athlete. I want to help her achieve that goal,” Mthembu said.
The coach spoke glowingly of the youngster’s speed, dedication and hard work since joining his group, adding that his senior runner – last year’s national cross-country silver medalist in the U12 boys’ 3km race, Siyanda Madlabane – was happy to have a girl with a competitive streak among them.
“When she started with me, I wasn’t aware she had speed in her legs. But she didn’t have the mileage. I put her on a mileage programme, and she responded well. She was ready to start the cross-country season on April 20, but unfortunately, she can’t because of an injury she sustained while playing netball.”
Although the injury affected their plan, the coach insisted Kotze would be ready for the second league meeting. He said once recovered, he would assess her and then put her on a programme to gain fitness gradually.
“I don’t have a problem with her participating in other codes, but I’m a little disappointed because she’s the only quick girl I have. It was my aim that she competes in league one so we can see where she’s at,” he said.
Kotze explained she’s made massive strides since combining with Mthembu, adding that her goal is to run better and finish the season in a better position.
“I will be one of the top athletes this season because I’ve trained hard. I want to make it to the nationals. I still have to work a bit harder because of my injury, but things are better now because I’m getting fitter, and training is fun,” she said.
Madlabane expressed his delight that Kotze has joined their camp and said he would be happy if the Laerskool Rynfield learner qualifies for the nationals.
“Carmen has brought competitiveness to the group. The focus now is on training hard and helping her achieve her goals,” he said.
The CGA cross-country season starts on April 20 with the league in Tsakane.
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