Ayethaba Majali, a talented young athlete from Primrose Primary, celebrated a remarkable victory by winning gold at the South African Schools Championships held in Kimberley over the weekend of September 28.
Competing in the U10 2km cross-country event, Majali secured first place, bringing pride to her school and community.
In an interview with Germiston City News, Majali reflected on her achievement and its significance for her budding athletic career.
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She shared that she began her journey in athletics last year while in Grade Three and has developed a fondness for running in cold weather.
“My coach always tells me that discipline leads to success. Winning in Kimberley made me proud to represent my school and province well,” she said.
Majali expressed gratitude for the support she receives from her family and classmates, crediting her great-grandmother, who was also an athlete, for inspiring her. In addition to her athletic achievements, Majali is a top student and serves as both class captain and book monitor.
Salome Mohumutji, the school’s sports co-ordinator, congratulated Majali on her impressive accomplishments.
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“The school was thrilled to receive news about her success in Kimberley,” she said.
“Primrose Primary offers various sporting activities, including netball, soccer, chess, music, indigenous games, and athletics, and Mohumutji highlighted the importance of Majali’s win amidst other teams striving for success.“While our other teams have not been as successful, we continue to push for our school.
“We recently held a Sports Activity Day, and our indigenous games have become popular,” she noted.
Mohumutji also mentioned that the school had to fundraise for Majali’s transport and accommodation during the championships, but she did not disappoint, earning her provincial colours along the way.
Majali is a proud member of the United Stars Athletics Club, which trains at Hoërskool Vryburger High School on weekdays.
Coach Zakhele Gumede expressed his pride in her accomplishments.
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“Majali is a promising athlete who demonstrates high discipline both on and off the field. I’m pleased with her victory, especially since it’s difficult to compete against some of the most prestigious and well-equipped schools. This demonstrates that my training is effective,” Gumede remarked.
Majali’s accolades include gold medals at the South African Schools Championships, Gauteng Schools Championships, and Central Gauteng Athletics Cross Country Championships, all in the U10 girls’ 2km cross-country event.
Gumede added that her success serves as motivation for her teammates. Despite facing financial challenges due to a lack of sponsorship, he remains hopeful that more athletes will achieve success in the future.
