The East Athletic Club (EAC)’s Gift Nkosi came from behind to win the junior women’s 6km race at the CGA Cross-Country Championships on August 17 at Kagiso Sports Complex.
After a slow start, it looked like runaway leader Bronwyn Nel of Benoni High Athletic Club (BHAC) had it in the bag, but Nkosi took full advantage at the end, flying past a tiring Nel to grab the gold and provincial title in 25:14.
Nel grabbed the silver in 25:32 and Katelyn Steenkamp of Gallopers completed the top three after crossing the line in 26:13.
Azelia Zitha made it two golds for the EAC when she beat favourite, Cassidy Bosman, in the girls’ U17 4km race to win her first provincial title.
She clocked 16:43 for the victory and the BHAC’s Kiana Pepler was second in 16:51, with Bosman rounding up the podium.
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The EAC’s Mahlatse Mamonyane recovered from injury and showed her intent after finishing in second place in the girls’ U11 3km race. The youngster took the lead after 1km but Minke Scholtz of 32Gi beat her to the title after storming to the finish in 11:52.
Mamonyane crossed the line six seconds after Scholtz but she didn’t qualify for the nationals because she didn’t participate in the required number of leagues.
A disappointed coach Isaac Ndlovu lamented loss of form as the result of many of his top runners failing to qualify for the nationals.
He said he was delighted that Nkosi and Zitha peaked at the right time, adding they would represent the province well at the nationals.
“The competition was tight for everyone. Our athletes did well despite all the challenges the club has faced. With some of my athletes, I think we got it wrong. They peaked early in the season. They performed well in June and July but lost form this month,” he said.
Ndlovu believes this provided important lessons for him and his runners, adding that Mamonyane’s return has boosted the club, especially with the CGA sub-youth track and field season starting soon.
“Those who didn’t win or qualify for the nationals gained valuable experience. I’m happy Mahlatse is back after she picked a bad injury during the school’s track and field nationals in Polokwane. We’ll start preparing for next season.”
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