Khwela wins ninth Non-Stop crown
Sbonelo Khwela as he powered his way to an unprecedented ninth ‘Dusi in a Day’ title at Blue Lagoon on Friday.
IT was another Lovemore Brothers Non-Stop Dusi Canoe Marathon masterclass from Sbonelo Khwela as he powered his way to an unprecedented ninth ‘Dusi in a Day’ title at Blue Lagoon on Friday.
A surprisingly large field of over 35 boats set off last Friday on their way to Durban and it seemed like the K2’s were going to dominate proceedings as they took the race by the scruff of the neck.
“Racing against the K2’s was something different because they were so strong today,” the four-time K1 winner said.
“I am really chuffed that I managed to hold them off, it was an awesome race.”
Read also: Crusaders give back to Inanda trail running club
The first portion of the race was controlled by the young crew of Thabani Msiya and Banetse Nkhoesa, with Richard Cele and Nhlanhla Cele also making a push.
“I got a little bit worried at a stage because when I was at Finger Neck my seconds said that I was four minutes and 10 seconds behind the leaders. I did panic a little bit and asked myself if I would be able to catch the guys but it is a long day and I knew that anything could happen. From there I kept a constant speed and remained focused and I managed to catch them. That focus really paid off for me.”
Slowly but surely Khwela ground down the lead and after the Nqumeni portage he and the K2 boat of Msiya and Nkhoesa took control.
Read also: Durban North resident set to make history in Easter Island swim
Eventually Khwela managed to get the win by just over a minute, one of the closest finishes in recent times.
“I will definitely be back next year for a shot at winning my tenth,” Khwela added.
For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram
