A race worth every second
EMMARENTIA - Siseko Ntondini earned himself respect by beating Sasol Lowveld champion Mark Smith.
Numerous Dabulamanzi paddlers from Emmarentia Dam flocked to the Sasol Lowveld Crocodile River race in Mpumalanga from 25 until 26 October.
The 30km race started at the Kwena Dam until Nelspruit.
Local talent from Albertskroon Siseko Ntondini, who has been making a name for himself in the top podium positions of Gauteng and other interprovincial races for a couple of years and also competed internationally in the Africa Championships, pulled out all the stops during the race competition.
He recently earned respect when he beat Sasol Lowveld champion Mark Smith by a second.
He took the top winning position in a time of 03:56:00.
“I knew I was going to dominate and win the race,” said Ntondini.
“The river had too many rocks – and I knew there was no time to daydream so I kept on pushing and I beat one of the best paddlers.”
Brian Longley, who is also from Dabulamanzi, also raced to the finish line. He was the first Great Grand Master finisher – with over 65 years of age and river experience compared to the youngsters – Longley finished the race in 04:36:00 as the 15th finisher with 104 starters, and 36 withdrawals due to boat damage in the treacherous rapids.
