East Athletic Club (EAC) athletes will carry the memory of their late chairperson, Isaac Ndlovu, with them when they represent CGA at the ASA cross country championships on Saturday (September 5).

The national showpiece at Curro Hazeldean in Pretoria East will mark exactly a year since the passing of Ndlovu, a former CGA development officer who died in a car accident while returning from last year’s national championships in Middelburg.

EAC chairperson Phindi Nzuza described Ndlovu’s death as a devastating loss for the club, saying he was its pillar and that the best way to honour his memory was to keep his legacy alive.

“We lost the core of our club. Our plan is to do our best because we know Isaac is watching us from above. We will make him proud,” she said.

Nine EAC athletes will represent CGA this year, an improvement on the seven who qualified last year.

Among them are Katlego Dlamini, a bronze medallist at last year’s nationals in Middelburg, and multiple national champion Mahlatse Mamonyane.

The club will also be represented by juniors Lesedi Dhladhla, Alwande Mtolo, Dineo Nzuza and Likhona Kubai, as well as seniors Lesetja Mangala, Joy Modiselle and Azelia Zitha.

“I am very happy because I see progress and improvement. We did everything to ensure they succeeded. We have improved as a club. Last year seven qualified and now we have nine athletes. Although the season had its own challenges, as a committee, we did our best to overcome them,” said Nzuza.

Among those expected to make an impact is Zitha, who will compete in the junior women’s 6km.

After taking a break from competitive running last year to focus on matric, Zitha returned this season and showed impressive consistency throughout the league before capping her campaign with a hard-fought second-place finish at the CGA Championships on August 15.

“My season was great. I enjoyed it because I love cross country,” she said.

The youngster has set her sights on a top-six finish at the nationals, but her ambitions extend well beyond Saturday’s race.

“It feels nice qualifying, but I want to achieve more than representing CGA at nationals. I want to earn my national colours and represent our country internationally,” said Zitha.

Nzuza urged the EAC contingent to embrace the occasion, enjoy the experience and give their best in honour of their late chairperson.

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