Cross-country fever will descend on Daveyton on June 20 when the East United Athletic Club (EUAC) hosts the fourth CGA league meeting at Marivate Park.

One of Central Gauteng Athletics’ foremost development clubs, EUAC has successfully hosted the fourth leg of the provincial body’s cross country season for the past three years and is preparing for another bumper event.

The meeting is expected to attract some of the federation’s top athletes, from U7 runners to senior competitors, who will battle it out over distances ranging from 1km to 10km.

“This is the biggest event on the club’s calendar. We are looking forward to another successful race day. Hopefully, the community will support us as they did in the past three years,” said club secretary Phindile Nzuza.

This year’s event will carry added emotional significance for the club as it will be staged in honour of founder Isaac Ndlovu, whose death last year left a deep void within the EUAC family.

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Ndlovu was killed in a car accident in Delmas while returning from the ASA Cross Country Championships in Middelburg. The tragic accident also claimed the lives of former Benoni Northerns junior middle-distance runner Kgalalelo Shuping’s mother and sister.

“It was a big loss to the club. We miss him a lot. He did so much for this club,” said Nzuza.

“We are trying to keep his memory alive by keeping the club alive. This event will be held in his honour.”
Despite the excitement surrounding the league meeting, hosting the event comes with major financial challenges for the development club.”

EUAC relies largely on membership fees to survive, with most of its athletes being juniors, leaving the club with limited financial resources.

The club needs to pay the City of Ekurhuleni R1 567 for permission to use Marivate Park for the event. In addition, it requires funding to hire approximately seven chemical toilets for athletes and officials.

As a result, EUAC is appealing to businesses and community members in Daveyton and the greater Benoni area for assistance.

“This event is important to us as a club. We humbly request help from businesses and individuals in Daveyton and the greater Benoni area,” said deputy chairperson Sibongile Nkosi.

“In our first year of hosting this event, the community really came through for us and we remain grateful for that support. We hope we will receive assistance again this year.”

Those willing to assist can contact Nzuza on 078 610 6154 or Nkosi on 079 263 9581 for more information.

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