The coach who leaves no man behind

Selfless, loving and hard worker are some words Ceanne Zillen used to describe Nkanyiso Athletics Academy (NAA) and Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) juniors coach, Nkanyiso Mthembu.

“The children love him. ‘Crazy’ was one of the words they used to describe him in the beginning but now he’s their friend,” she said.

“They respect him so much. They see friendship and keenness, and that relationship is vital.”

Zillen joined other parents on the sidelines at the Benoni Northerns Sports Club (BNSC) rugby fields on May 2 when their children, clad in running gear, jogged and stretched to warm up in the cool winter air before the start of their time trial.

After Mthembu assessed the field, he stood before the athletes to discuss the day’s business. The session began immediately after giving instructions, and instead of just blowing his whistle for the runners to start, he took off his jacket and ran with them.

The coach allowed his elite runners to do the hard yards in front of the pack while he remained at the back to encourage the new and slower runners. When one lagged due to fatigue, Mthembu gently grabbed him by the arm and ran with him.

At the end of the first round, the Comrades Marathon silver medallist tied a rope to himself and a new runner, running side by side for another round.

What some might see as overworking the athletes, Zillen explained that Mthembu’s methods are effective, adding that her daughters have improved immensely since linking up with the coach in January.

“Our children train with their coaches at school, but coach Nkanyiso puts in extra effort with every child here. He pushes them to do their best and gives them a sense of confidence before stepping onto the field with him,” she said.

“He never leaves a child behind. If he notices one is lagging, he grabs their hand and runs with them around the field. He doesn’t just stand on the sidelines, preach and shout instructions. He runs with them in everything training they do.”

Reflecting on Mthembu’s work ethic, Zillen said it was gratifying to see the athletes’ improvement after each session and how it gives them confidence as they continue their preparations for the CGA cross-country season.

“It’s very heart-warming. It gives us a sense of pride knowing we’ve put our children in the right place. He goes all out to find different ways to help the children improve. He gives them a sense of self-worth when he trains with them. It’s impressive.”

After training, the parents joined their children for their cool-down jog, and afterwards, an elated Mthembu joked around with his athletes while he picked up some and threw them in the air.

“He has a massive passion for the children and what he does. It gives us a heart-warming feeling that we’ve put our children in a safe space,” Zillen said.

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