New talent scouted in the Central Athletics Gauteng series

Zinhle Mokoka, the daughter of former SA Marathon champion Zithulele ‘Zet’ Sinqe, who is deceased, spoke highly of the upcoming Zet Sinqe Series on August 3 at Usizolwethu LSEN School.

Mokoka explained the series aims to identify young talented athletes in impoverished areas through a series of races for the age groups U13 to U19.

The series, held in partnership with CGA, is organised with local coaches, developmental clubs and schools to get communities involved through coaching clinics to encourage participation from community members.

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“We go to townships in the three major regions of Central Gauteng to take the sport to the people because we realised most competitions take place in urban areas. We alternate every year to reach as many communities as possible,” she said.

On partnering with local schools, she said, “It’s where it all begins. If you listen to most athletes, they were spotted in schools. We want children to know they can use sport to get their families out of poverty.”

The event includes a 5km open race to encourage mass participation and the main one-mile events to give young runners a platform to showcase their talent in front of scouts.

“There will be prizes for the top three finishers, as well as developmental coaches who are often not celebrated,” said Zinhle.

The series was started in 2019 as part of the Zithulele Sinqe Foundation’s drive to continue the legacy of the late runner who was passionate about unearthing talent and using sport to make a difference.

Zet, who passed away in a car accident in 2011, clinched the SA Marathon in a fast 02:08:04 in 1987 and also held the world half-marathon best time of 01:00:11 that same year. He further won the Two Oceans Marathon in 1996 and 1997.

Born in a family of 14 children, Zet grew up in abject poverty. Seven of his siblings died of hunger and he had to fend for himself and his family by doing piece jobs and mending people’s gardens, from the age of 12.

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“Sport saved his life. He was able to get his family out of poverty,” said Zinhle.

He began coaching in 2001 after his retirement. He travelled to different townships in the province and Mpumalanga to coach children, establish a system and leave them under a qualified coach before moving on to another.

“My father didn’t like seeing children living in poverty. Sport helped him beat poverty. He used his knowledge and experience to help children beat poverty through sport.”

“He would say, ‘Even if I can get one child out of poverty, my job would be done’. He was passionate about using sport to make a difference.”

The event will start at 08:00 with the 5km race.