Shongweni’s Sbonelo aims for coveted Dusi title
The 28-year-old local said he has continued his running training but has concentrated the bulk of his time on improving his paddling times.
LOCAL paddling enthusiast, Sbonelo Khwela has his eyes set on the K1 title at this year’s Dusi and to prove his determination wakes up at 4am to begin his training.
While most people are enjoying a little more shut-eye than usual as the new year rolls in, Sbonelo knows he must begin his training at the crack of dawn before the summer’s searing heat bathes Shongweni Dam.
It is only a few weeks away from the 2017 Dusi Canoe Marathon and the 28-year-old has entered the final and most taxing phase of his preparations. The local athlete knows that it is imperative to arrive at the grueling, three-day, 120km race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban in the best possible shape.
Sbonelo, along with Andy Birkett, won the 2014 (K2) race. Three years on and he is eager to add a K1 victory to his list of honours.
“I am very confident ahead of this year’s race. I have a good feeling about it. Winning the K1 Dusi is the ultimate prize for any competitive paddler,” said the paddling enthusiast.
He lives in Shongweni and trains twice a day along with fellow competitors, Banetse Nkhoesa and Marc Germiquet.
“These guys are pushing me hard in training. We have a good relationship and feed off each other,” explained Sbonelo.
A lack of rain has made it difficult for him to prepare for the technical aspects the race requires.
“It is important for us to find lines in the water. The low water level makes it a challenge,” he said.
Widely regarded as one of the most powerful runners the competition has ever seen, Sbonelo admits that this year he has shifted his attention mainly to paddling.
“Running is my strength but in order to win I have to paddle well. I am still running and training in the gym twice a week but at the moment my big focus is in the dam,” he said.
Multiple winner Andy Birkett and 2013 champion, Lance Kime, present the biggest threats to Khwela’s charge for honours. He prefers not to worry too much about the competition though.
“I am very focused this year. I know that these guys are beatable. It is important for me to do the best that I can do in training and race my heart out on race days,” said Sbonelo.
He will arrive at the 2017 race in good form having won the recent Umpetha Challenge and StaminaGro 50 Miler Canoe Marathon.
“I am in good form at the moment. I believe if everything comes together then this could be my year,” Khwela concluded.
