First PUMA School of Speed in Mbombela
Residents of Mbombela were treated to a track-and-field extravaganza when the Puma School of Speed made its Mbombela debut at Hoërskool Nelspruit’s athletics track on Saturday.
This talent identification programme, headed by Usain Bolt, was set to take place at the University of Mpumalanga’s new tartan track, but had to be moved at short notice.
Hoërskool Nelspruit came to the rescue by making their facilities available for the event.
DP Badenhorst of NHS’s sport bureau said that it was a privilege to provide a location for the event.
“It was a great opportunity for these participants to strut their stuff,” Badenhorst said.
The 2020 series consists of five high-octane events that kicked off at the Dal Josaphat Athletics Stadium in Paarl on January 22, followed by the second PUMA School of Speed at the Ruimsig Athletics Stadium in Johannesburg on January 25.
The third PUMA event took place at the PUK McArthur Athletics Stadium in Potchefstroom on January 27.
“The Puma School of Speed is committed to the development of athletics talent in South Africa by discovering the fastest young speedsters. We are searching for track and field stars that are ready to go #ForeverFaster,” said PUMA marketing director, Brett Bellinger.
And fast they certainly went. Hoërskool Nelspruit walked away with a total of 21 gold medals, with Douw Kruger winning three gold medals, his points adding up to 2 580.
Ashley Erasmus also helped with gold medals and received 971 points for the discus girls u/15.
Hoërskool Rob Ferreira took home 18 gold medals and completely dominated the u/19 400-metre event.
Monshe Lentoro claimed victory in the boys u/19 400-metre in a deserving time of 0:51;24.
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Henko de Nysschen of Hoërskool Nelspruit came second and Siphesihle Mashele of Lowveld High finished third.
Charlize Batista of Hoërskool Rob Ferreira secured gold in the girls u/19 400-metre in a time of 01:07;53.
Tara Haycock, also from Hoërskool Rob Ferreira, followed Batista for a second place.
Rob Ferreira claimed another gold, this time in the boys u/19 100-metre, when Vuyo Ndlovu crossed the finish line first in a spectacular 10,71 seconds.
Hoërskool Lydenburg aimed high and obtained gold in u/17 high jump.
Jessica Annadale jumped a height of 1,55 metres for the girls high jump and Makito Lerutla jumped a winning height of 1,85 metres.
Lowveld High School did not disappoint when they won five gold medals.
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After finishing second in the 100-metre, Bandile Mabuza threw down the gauntlet in the boys u/19 200-metre, securing the top spot on the podium with a time of 22,80 seconds.
Bandile Sifunda also walked away with a gold medal and 710 points, jumping a height of 1,90 metres in the boys u/19 high jump.
Before the day drew to a close, there was a dance-off with members of the crowd and athletes, ending with Kyle Deutsch entertain the crowd with a few of his songs.
