ECC in Tshwane Classic cycling challenge

Aphiwe Nkomo and the Ekurhuleni Cycling Club (ECC) took to Tshwane for a thrilling cycling challenge.

November 7, 2018

Aaron Damane 2 minutes read

The Ekurhuleni Cycling Club (ECC) team took part in the Tshwane Classic cycling challenge in Pretoria on November 4.

The Ekurhuleni Cycling Club (ECC), established in 2015, and with a membership of 45 athletes, took part in the Tshwane Classic cycling challenge held in Pretoria on November 4.

The race started on Voortrekker Street.

The club, which fielded its u-17 athletes, had its youngsters participating in the 60km challenge.

The 98km challenge was open to athletes in the age group of 20 and above.

ECC media liaison officer Busisiwe Ndlela, a club member, said: “The aim of the club is to take our kids from the disadvantaged township and give them opportunities in the sport to show off their talents.

“It is an expensive sport, but we try by all means to give these kids an opportunity to participate in as many races as we can.”

Aphiwe Nkomo (16) was the youngest member of the club to participate in the Tshwane Classic cycling challenge in Pretoria on November 4.

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The ECC is a registered NPO and is under the leadership of its president and coach, Lucky Dlamini.

Bongani Ngcobo and July Mthembu are club coordinators and event organisers.

Dlamini said: “We also have other kids between the ages of 17 and 19 who participated and did well in different categories.

“As a team, we depend mostly on the support of other members.”

He said the club depends on the support it receives from others to make ends meet and to enable the youngsters to take part in events.

It also depends on race organisers for club discounts.

He said without this help, youngsters such as Aphiwe Nkomo wouldn’t have an opportunity to show their talent.

Nkomo (16), the youngest member of the club, joined ECC in March.

She participated in the challenge and took first position in the 60km girls’ u-17 challenge.

“We also have other kids between 17 and 19 who participated and did well in different categories.

“As a team, we depend mostly on other members to help others as well as discounts from race organisers, otherwise kids like Nkomo wouldn’t have a chance to show their talent,” said Dlamini.

He thanked the trainers for the intense training they put in to help the team do well. He was grateful for their dedication and for the support they received from family, friends and other team members.