“The team makes the dream work,” said Mamepe Striders development coach Lefu Lephoto, as he credited a united effort behind his athletes’ five-medal return at the CGA Track and Field Championships on March 13 and 14.
Working alongside assistants Sechaba Qhoaisa and Melusi Nkosi, Lephoto saw their meticulous preparation for the provincial showpiece at UJ Athletics Stadium pay off, with the club securing one gold, one silver and three bronze medals.
“We saw some great individual performances, but what stood out was how the athletes pushed and supported each other. That sense of unity and encouragement played a big role in the results,” he said.
Youngster Lehlohonolo Mabe opened the club’s account with a gutsy run to bronze in the U16 boys’ 3 000m, clocking 09:46.56 over the seven-and-a-half laps.
“Thanks to my coach and teammates for believing in me and pushing me to realise my potential,” said Mabe.
Bohang Qhoaisa added a double bronze in the U16 boys’ 800m and 1 500m, stopping the clock at 02:02.62 and 04:24.33 respectively.
“I’m very proud. It’s my first year in the U16 category and I’ve qualified for nationals,” he said.
Despite the podium finishes, Qhoaisa believes there is more to come.
“I’ve seen that I need to push harder because other athletes are running faster times in my age group. But when the legs are ready, they will carry me.”
He has now set his sights on breaking the two-minute barrier in the 800m at the ASA Age-Group Championships at Germiston Stadium.
“Coach Lefu is a Godsend. I’m grateful for his patience, dedication and the way he works with the team,” he added.
Andile Manzi won the senior women’s 3 000m. Photo: Lebohang Pita
In the senior women’s 3 000m, Andile Manzi led from the front to clinch gold in 11:07.62, with teammate Kedibone Mohwang completing a memorable one-two for the club by taking silver in 11:18.96.
Manzi also finished fifth in the senior women’s 5 000m, while Dinah Sithole placed ninth. In the U20 ranks, Nqobile Maseko secured seventh place. Lefa Kwanele narrowly missed out on a podium spot in the senior men’s 3 000m, finishing fourth in 09:02.53, with Goodman Cingo crossing ninth in 09:24.09.
“I’m really pleased with the overall performance. It was a solid showing, and those podium finishes are always special. The competition was tough, but our athletes executed their plans well. Credit must also go to Coaches Sechaba and Melusi,” said Lephoto.
With the ASA championships looming, Lephoto says the Duduza club’s focus now shifts to fine-tuning.
“We’ll build on this momentum, refine our training and address areas that need improvement as we prepare for the national championships at Germiston Stadium.”
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!