Northerns runner rues missed opportunity at national championships

Siyanda Madlabane was infuriated that his tactical mistake cost him a gold medal at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) National Cross-Country Championships in Qgeberha on September 16.

The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club young runner’s decision to allow eventual winner, Mantle Tshehlana from Athletics Free State, to dictate the pace of the race in the boys’ U12 3km event proved costly.

Madlabane stuck behind the Free Stater for the entire race, aiming to kick into gear with 1km left. Unbeknown to him, Tshehlana had preserved some energy and when they appeared neck and neck on the home stretch, he unleashed one last kick to cut the tape in 10:06, three seconds ahead of Madlabane.

“The race was okay but I made a mistake. I wanted to wait until the race was left with 800m to kick. It wasn’t part of our strategy. We wanted to win but my mistake cost us because I left it too late,” he said.

Although disappointed he didn’t get the gold, especially after a dominant Central Gauteng Athletics cross-country season, he’s satisfied he achieved a season’s best finish of 10:09. He said his biggest lesson in the race was to trust his strengths and believe in himself.

“I know I’m strong. When the race begins, I should stick with the front bunch, preserve enough energy and only pick up pace towards the end of the race.

“I’m used to being top of the podium. That’s why I was disappointed after the race. But not all is lost. I will bounce back.”

The 12-year-old Siphethu Primary School learner will line up next to Tshehlana again in the schools cross-country nationals in Polokwane, where he’s targeting a gold medal.

“I’ve learnt what kind of runner he is. He’s someone I have to stick with. I shouldn’t give him space and shouldn’t allow him to outpace me. I’m going for a gold medal in the schools national championships,” said Madlabane.

Madlabane’s coach, Nkanyiso Mthembu, advised the youngster to learn to stick to their strategy, take initiative and never allow his competitors to dictate the pace in a race.

“He’s in the right shape. I want him to stop sticking with someone he’s never trained with. He should have the confidence to take the lead and test the person.

“The race was okay. He lost fairly because of a tiny mistake. I was with him along the way to advise him. He kicked late,” said Mthembu.

The coach was delighted Madlabane improved his time, adding that their next target is to smash the record in the 3km event.

He said he expects Madlabane to lop off more than a minute from his national championships time to finish under 10 minutes in the South Africa Schools cross-country championships.

“He’s in a good shape. This was his best season. We are working on improving his time. I expect a 9:40 from him at the schools nationals. I expect a record. I’m not looking at winning because if he doesn’t win, he’s always on the podium.”

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