UJ aim for Varsity Athletics podium
AUCKLAND PARK – UJ athletes would be looking to narrow the gap on the log leaders and take the laurels in a number of key events during the Varsity Athletics competition.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) athletes will be aiming to put their institution on the podium when the final leg of this year’s Varsity Athletics competition gets underway at the Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch on 20 April.
According to UJ athletics manager Roger Haitengi, his athletes would be looking to narrow the gap on the log leaders and take the laurels in a number of key events.
“We were unlucky in the first instalment with a number of second-place finishes that cost us valuable points,” said Haitengi.
UJ is currently in the fourth position after last month’s opening meet in Potchefstroom.
“We are looking strong for round two, with a good chance at an overall podium, but we need to take the wins in the individual events.”
Haitengi said there would be a strong line-up of UJ competitors for the upcoming meet, especially in the jumping and throwing events.
Foremost among these will be Commonwealth Games bronze medallist long jumper Ruswahl Samaai, who is currently number one in the senior outdoor world rankings.
“Also in the jumps we have Zinzi Chabangu, who is the hot favourite in the triple jump,” said Haitengi.
Chabangu cleared an impressive 13.03m, just 12cm off her national record, to claim bronze at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Africa Junior Championships last month.
At that same event UJ discus star Johan Scholtz set a new personal best of 57.57m to win continental gold.
He and teammate Dewald van Heerden, who is the defending Varsity Athletics champion, will be looking to put on another powerhouse display in their signature event.
Reigning junior and senior national shot put champion Lezaan Jordaan will also aim to retain her Varsity Athletics crown in an effort to heave UJ onto the overall podium.
“Lezaan has already hit the 15.8m mark this season, so she’s definitely peaking at the right time.”
In the hammer throw, Donovan Stebbing was in good shape to add force to the university’s attack, he added.
“We’re confident and definitely looking strong,” said a cautiously optimistic Haitengi.
