Bokamoso Nonyane almost surrendered his silver medal in the final metres of the U12 boys’ 3km at the ASA cross country championships at Curro Hazeldean on September 5

After Athletics Transkei (ATRA) middle-distance sensation Alungile Mofi had secured gold, Nonyane entered the final straight believing second place was safely his. Unbeknownst to the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) junior, Mofi’s teammate Sikhona Dladla had launched a late surge in an attempt to snatch the runner-up spot.

However, spurred on by a loud Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) contingent in the pavilion, Nonyane responded just in time to hold on for second place, which was his first national cross country medal.

“I would never have let him beat me,” Nonyane said. “Though I wanted to give up because I thought I had secured the silver, I could hear his breathing and footsteps. I said to myself, ‘This is my silver medal. I can’t let it go.’”

On a demanding course featuring sand, rolling hills, a water jump, mud, logs and steep climbs, Nonyane positioned himself in the chasing group after the gun in a stacked 149-athlete field.

He remained in podium contention after 1km alongside Mofi, Dladla, defending champion Eugene Saaiman and CGA teammate Kungawo Madikane.

Mofi then broke away from the leading pack, with Nonyane following in his wake. The BNAC runner settled behind the ATRA athlete in the closing stages before crossing the line second in 10:05.

Nonyane finished 6.19 seconds behind Mofi, who won in 09:59, while Dladla completed the podium just 0.05 seconds behind Nonyane, denying ATRA a one-two finish.

“I enjoyed the race,” he said. “I started at the back and worked my way up the field. I knew I would catch up with the leaders and my feet allowed me to after 1km.

“I’m very happy with my silver medal. My parents promised me a gift if I secured a top-three place, so I’m excited that, on top of the medal, I’m going to get something extra.”

BNAC results

Nonyane led an encouraging showing by BNAC athletes on the challenging course

Debutant Quinn Schonken finished 12th in the U9 girls’ 2km in 08:19, while Nolwazi Magwaza was fourth in the U10 girls’ 2km in 07:32.

Mpumelelo Mokoena finished 30th in a tough and competitive senior men’s 10km race, which included national marathon record holder Elroy Gelant, while Mila Rossouw and Siyanda Madlabane were 13th in their respective races.

Baxter Towers and Alexia Visser also produced encouraging performances in the U9 boys’ 2km and U11 girls’ 3km respectively.

Also Read: Nonyane win nail-biting race to defend title