Florida Lake Canoe Club (FLCC) paddler Shaun Maphanga and partner appeared to be in good form when they claimed third place in the first compulsory race of the Belloord-sponsored Klip Series.
The K2 pairing of Shaun and Nkosi Mzolo from Soweto proved to be a huge threat when they finished in a time of one hour, 25 minutes and 19 seconds, just five seconds behind the winning pair, who were also from Soweto.
The race over a distance of some 22kms was a perfect re-introduction to river races for those paddlers who have been hibernating through winter, and it attracted the biggest turnout for the year with just over 100 boats.
FLCC and Gauteng Canoe Union (GCU) spokesperson Jennie Dallas again highlighted Shaun’s exceptional canoeing spirit and talent in a competitive race, which is considered good preparation for major events such as the Hansa Fish River Marathon in September.
She also confirmed that Shaun and Nkosi will be partners at this event in six weeks’ time in Cradock in the Eastern Cape.
Jennie adds, “Considering Shaun was out of action in a canoe for at least a year because of a nasty shoulder injury he had picked up during Dusi, he stepped up to the plate. We expect him once again to be the club’s top finisher at the Hansa Fish River Marathon.”
