Dusi prep begins for Change a Life squad
"Ozzie gives me a good gauge on how the different combinations fit together and the synergy of these new paddling partnerships." - Martin Dreyer
PHOTO: Jetline Action Photo/Gameplan Media
MARTIN Dreyer’s Change a Life Academy (CAL) is ramping up preparation for the 2018 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon by taking part in the Ozzie Gladwin Canoe Marathon on Sunday, 26 November.
A handful of the team’s stars had a busy winter period with Under 23’s Mthobisi Cele, Mpilo Zondi and U18 paddler Mvelo Ngidi taking on the gruelling Berg River Canoe Marathon and all finishing in the top 10 after four days of brutal paddling.
The Fish River Canoe Marathon was the next assignment for the group and, at the national K2 river championships, it was Mpilo Zondi and Mthobisi Cele who teamed up to finish third in the U23 category.
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With the warm summer conditions comes the thought of the three-day journey from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in February.
The Academy’s founder, Martin Dreyer, sees the Ozzie Gladwin as a vital part of the team’s preparation for the Dusi.
“The Ozzie Gladwin includes a long stretch of river paddling which is so important for the guys. River paddling is non-existent while KZN remains gripped by drought,” he said. It is not a very technical stretch of river, but it plays an important role in seeing where fitness levels are. Ozzie also gives me a good gauge on how the different combinations fit together and the synergy of these new paddling partnerships.”
Despite being the first seeding race of the new season, the Ozzie Gladwin also incorporates all three aspects of Dusi paddling, flat-water and river paddling, as well as portaging.
“The eight kilometres of flat water at the start is a big test and it will show how the guys cope with group racing,” said Martin.
Non-Stop Dusi winners Mpilo Zondi and Mthobisi Cele will be the pair to look out for, with the young Mvelo Ngidi, pairing up with Thabani Msiya, as well as Mmeli Cele and Msawenkosi Mtolo.
Change a Life stalwart, Kwanda Mhlophe, will team up with Sipho Canham for the Dusi season. The 2017 Ozzie Gladwin Canoe Marathon runs from Albert Falls Dam to Thornvale Farm on Sunday, 26 November.
