Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) development coach Nkanyiso Mthembu struggled to find the words to describe his pride after seven of his athletes qualified to represent CGA at the ASA cross country championships at Curro Hazeldean in Pretoria East on Saturday.

In the absence of injured Chelsea van Dyk, Siyanda Madlabane will lead the BNAC charge.

The 2024 national champion endured a disappointing eighth-place finish at last year’s championships in Middelburg and will be determined to reclaim the title he won in Vanderbijlpark two years ago.

Nolwazi Magwaza will be looking to improve on her bronze medal from last year, while Bokamoso Nonyane, who finished fifth in Middelburg, will also be targeting a strong performance.

Samukelo Msibi faces a tough assignment in the U16 boys’ 6km, where he will line up against Gauteng North’s exciting Tiisetso Malungane. Meanwhile, Mila Rossouw, Quinn Schonken and Baxter Towers will make their national championship debuts.

The BNAC will also be represented by Mpumelelo Mokoena, Sabelo Simelane, Dominique Broughton and Alexia Visser.

“I wish them well. This is a good opportunity for them to showcase their talent,” said Mthembu.

The coach praised his athletes for their commitment and dedication throughout the provincial season, singling out Schonken, Rossouw and Towers, who earned their CGA colours for the first time.

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“Words fail me, to be honest. I’m just happy that every year we are able to send new faces to the nationals. This year, we have Quinn, Mila and Baxter, who have all been very impressive. I am very happy,” he said.

“Siyanda, Nolwazi, Samukelo and Bokamoso have been there before. They have the experience and know what it means to represent CGA. But I’m excited and can’t wait to see Quinn, Mila and Baxter in their CGA colours competing against the best in the country.”

Mthembu has deliberately placed no pressure on his athletes, but would be pleased to see the debutants finish inside the top 20. He expects podium challenges from Madlabane, Nonyane and Magwaza.

“We are aiming high. If things don’t go accordingly, we’ll take the lessons. I would be happy with top 20, but the main goal is to go there and learn.

“I expect good outings from those who have been there before, particularly Siyanda after his struggles last year.”

Mthembu also paid tribute to the parents, whom he described as the nucleus of the team.

“I would like to thank the parents for always being there. They are also coaches themselves. I am lucky to be working alongside such amazing people. This is our achievement as a team,” he said.

Proud to represent BNAC, Mthembu believes the athletes will fly the club’s flag high on the national stage.

“I’m happy to also contribute towards the growth of the club. We will raise the BNAC flag high at the nationals.”

Also Read: Madlabane defends provincial title, looking forward to nationals