Team N’zuri once again took part in the annual National Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition that took place in Mossel Bay last month.
According to team coach Manie Gouws, there were a record 195 entries this year (including nine women and 39 men relay teams) in what is described as an extremely tough competition.
“The organisers brought it in line with the international standard for the TFA. Out of the record 195 entries, only 68 competitors could manage to complete all four stages of this tough competition,” Manie said.
Manie added Team N’zuri did very well this year despite some setbacks that they had during the past year with two members withdrawing and one member who passed away in January.
“The team did very well and the women secured a second place in the relays and the men a third place,” he proudly said.
The overall results in their different age groups for the individual challenge are as follows:
• Women:
35 to 39 age group
Andronica Nomfanelo – third and 16th overall
40 to 44 age group
Maithamako Moswete – second and fourth 4th overall
Johanna Belali – third and fifth overall
50 to 55 age group
Ontiretse Pule – first and eighth overall
• Men:
30 to 35 age group
Thato Molefe – first and second overall
Vincent Naude – second and ninth overall)
Gift Malejwe – third and 16th overall
Sandile Mdawe – fourth and 19th overall
35 to 39 age group
Thabo Nkoe – 22nd overall
45 to 49 age group
Manie Gouws – first and fourth overall
“The team hopes to do much better in the relay event in the 2025 competition. The date has also already been confirmed. We would like to thank all the people and companies that assisted us with sponsors, as we had to rely on sponsors for transport and accommodation funds. As a coach, I am very proud of this team. We stand on Proverbs 21:31 which reads, ‘The horse is prepared for the battle but the victory comes from the Lord’. We are pleased with this year’s results. It’s an honour for us as a team to serve the community of Krugersdorp in their time of need,” Manie concluded.
