Benoni athletes to give it their all at the provincial championships

Benoni Northerns junior athletes will be out in their numbers trying to secure a spot for the nationals at the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) cross-country championships at Kagiso Sports Complex in Mogale City on August 20.

The club will be well-represented with Chelsea van Dyk and Kayla Botha competing for podium finishes.

Chelsea and Kayla have both been consistent throughout the season, making the top three several times. In the last league meeting at Delta Park last month, Chelsea claimed first place in the girls U11 category while Kayla finished second in the girls U9 category.

Coach Michael van Aswegen told the paper preparations for the championship have been boosted by the athletes’ participation in the Benoni Schools Championships.

“We hope the majority of our athletes will progress to the nationals. We have a number of them who are at the top. We hope they will obtain the top four finishes to have a chance of making the team for the nationals.

“Chelsea has a shot. We hope she continues with her form. She ran in the Benoni Schools Championships where she won in her category,” he said.

Also Read: CGA cross-country event attracts hundreds

Benoni High Athletics will also be represented by several athletes including Kevin Hickley, Rhys Connor Sawyer and Kaitlyn Mackay.

CGA has confirmed the selection criteria include participation in the provincial championships and running in at least three CGA cross-country league meetings.

Furthermore, the province stated that the athletes will have to obtain a top-four finish at the championship.

“The CGA Championships results are more important for selection as they reflect current fitness levels.

“We anticipate outstanding performances from all CGA athletes and are confident that CGA is going to be represented by several athletes with great potential who will lift the CGA flag high at the ASA Cross Country Championships,” said CGA general manager Mandla Radebe.

The team will be announced on September 4 at Germiston Stadium following the province’s honours meeting. The ASA cross-country championships take place on September 17.

Also Read: Strong turnout at Alberton CGA event