Change a life paddlers shine at Dusi events

MARTIN Dreyer’s FNB Change a Life Academy were the big winners on and off the water as they crowded the Dusi Canoe Marathon and the Non-Stop Dusi Canoe Marathon’s top 10 lists.

This year’s Dusi produced drama from start to finish as crews jostled for position, however, it was Andy Birkett and Khumbulani Nzimande, a young Change a Life star, who claimed victory.

Khumbulani, who finished fourth in the K1 Dusi in 2019, spent months down in East London with Andy to devise a plan to beat Sbonelo Khwela, Thulani Mbanjwa, Lance Kime and Shaun Rubenstein.

It didn’t go their way throughout as a swim on day two forced them to fight back as Sbonelo and Thulani took the lead. Their class shone through ultimately as they powered to a deserved victory.

“It was a privilege for Khumbulani to partner with Andy, from whom he learnt so much,” said Martin Dreyer. “Equally, I think Andy was impressed with the raw athleticism, power and enthusiasm shown by Khumbulani.”

The Change a Life members, Banetse Nkhoesa and Msawenkosi Mtolo were a power pair throughout the three days and finished fourth overall.

The top 20 boats home also included many of their fellow team mates.

ALSO READ: Local paddlers claim Non-Stop Dusi podium spot

In one of the most impressive displays from a Change a Life pair, Thabani Msiya and Mvelo Ngidi won the U23 category and came across the line ninth overall.

Ultimately, in the top 20 at this year’s Dusi, there were 10 boats that were either entirely Change a Life boats or included a paddler from the academy.

The Non-Stop Dusi has traditionally been dominated by former Change a Life star Sbonelo Khwela however, this year, the title was claimed by Thabani Msiya and Msawenkosi Mtolo.

“Stringing three perfect back-to-back Dusi days together with zero mistakes is not luck,” said Martin. “You can’t be lucky for nine hours plus on a technical river and tough portages. They showed incredible skill, endurance and teamwork.”

Incredibly, the first four boats were all either current or former Change a Life Academy paddlers. The team reinforced their traditional dominance of the grueling Dusi in a Day.

In another impressive result, academy founder Martin Dreyer and his wife Jeannie finished in sixth overall and were the first mixed double.

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