Soweto man wins premier canoeing race with help of Fleurhof coach
The 2020 edition of the race was held on Saturday 17 October, running from below the Kwena Dam until just below Old Joe's Kaia Guest House
Perhaps the best part of heavy morning downpours during school hours was the fast-moving torrents of water through the concrete drains. Racing paper boats, large sticks or the pencil case of a classmate down the miniature raging rivers was a sight to behold.
The single and two-man crafts competing at the TRAC Lowveld Crocodile River Race may have resembled children’s toys on the series of rapids that have a reputation for breaking the spirits of many a canoeist. The A+ grade course is known not only for its man-eating hippos but for the technically demanding zigzagging around the unforgiving rocks.
The 2020 edition of the race was held on Saturday 17 October, running from below the Kwena Dam until just below Old Joe’s Kaia Guest House. A large release of water from the nearby catchment meant fast paddling and quick decision-making were need to navigate the treacherous rapids. Cementing his position as one of Gauteng’s best paddlers was winner, Soweto’s Siseko Ntondini, with a time of two hours and 11 minutes.
Siseko is the product of the Soweto township programme based at Power Park. “Since Power Park recreation dam in Soweto has no facilities, FirstRand and ADreach frequently sponsor and support boot camps where the young learner paddlers enjoy spending time at the Florida Lake Canoe Club,” said Jennie Dallas, Gauteng Canoe Union Media Liaison.
One of the coaches of the programme is Fleurhof resident and firefighter, Nkosi Mzolo. “He is also an impressive canoeist when he has time to train himself instead of coaching, supporting, and organising transport, meals, and sponsorships,” continued Jennie. Nkosi also had an impressive crack at the intimidating river rapids, finishing strongly in a time of two hours and 35 minutes.
Nkosi is dedicated to growing the sport among the disadvantaged youth, organising boot-camp, fitness and strength training as well as team-building activities. Along with his team, they arrange meals and camps during school holidays where the youth can grow their canoeing abilities to join the increasing group of outstanding paddlers from the area.
