Carlos Mokheseng’s cry of “iyo!” echoed across the course as the Mavericks runner dug deep while scaling what could only be described as a monster hill during the relay finale of the Champions League Cross Country series at Curro Serengeti on May 31.

Rising sharply from the earth like a natural wall, the climb forced runners to abandon any hope of an easy stride and instead scramble upward at an angle that tested every ounce of strength in their legs and lungs.

With one side of the hill stretching longer than the other, Mokheseng faced a difficult decision at its base. He chose the longer route, a gamble that proved costly. Halfway up, his knees buckled under the strain and he could only shout “iyo!” as the hill demanded more than he had left to give.

By the time he reached the summit, however, he had not only conquered the climb but discovered the true meaning of endurance.

That hill, the first of two on the 1.6km course, became the defining feature of the day, separating athletes willing to embrace discomfort from those simply trying to survive it as the curtain came down on the inaugural season of the franchise-based competition.

Among the highlights was the battle between Kudus star Michael Bekker and Eagles ace Stephen Joubert in the U14 to U19 boys’ leg.

The pair matched each other stride for stride and negotiated the demanding terrain with remarkable ease, producing one of the most exciting contests of the afternoon.

In the end, though, it was the Eagles who rose above the rest. Consistency throughout the campaign saw them crowned the inaugural Champions League Cross Country champions.

Eagles coach Franco Oosthuizen said it had been a privilege to guide a group of athletes brought together from different backgrounds.

“It’s an amazing blessing to have been with these runners over the past few weeks. These are runners from different backgrounds across the province who were willing to support each other while having fun. It’s amazing to have been part of this journey,” he said.

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Despite only three of his runners wearing the coveted yellow jerseys during the relay stage, Oosthuizen said his focus at the draft was never on recruiting proven winners.

“I looked for consistency. I was looking for athletes willing to fight and be there for the team.”

Adding to the festivities of the day was a thrilling 600m parents’ contest, with the winners in both the men’s and women’s race securing entry for their child next season.

The brainchild of middle-distance coach Michael van Aswegen, the four-leg, Tour de France-inspired series placed teamwork above individual achievement.

“Finishing with the relay re-emphasised what Champions League Cross Country is about – community, teamwork, support and being able to rely on the person next to you. It teaches resilience and shows athletes what they’re capable of when they believe in themselves and the people around them,” he said.

Hailing the inaugural campaign as a success, he said organisers were already looking ahead to an even bigger and better 2027.

“As long as races run on time, programmes stay on schedule and venues remain safe for families, we’re achieving what we set out to do. We want everyone to feel like they’re part of the picture, not just the athletes.”

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