CGA hosts Cross-Country Second League

Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Cross-Country Second League, powered by Tsogo Sun Hotels and National Lotteries Commission, was hosted in windy conditions, with several athletes coming through to build up their performances at Boksburg Stadium on June 5.

Adhering to the strict Covid-19 safety protocols, the first competition commenced with the boys’ and girls’ u-8 event, which saw Matthew Strydom display an exciting performance in a 1km distance. Strydom proved his talent by beating his competitors in a time of 04:15. Meanwhile, Mahlase Moroga in the u-8 girls finished six seconds ahead of Strydom, clocking 04:09.

In the 3km boys’ and girls’ u-12 event, Tyran Brooks and Anaamika Maharaj accelerated away in the final kilometre of the race, despite the heavy wind, to finish comfortably at 10:17 and 13:54 respectively.

Frontrunners Elvis Mokhonoana, Gladwin Mzazi and Marko Bucarizza met on the day to tackle the tough hills of the Boksburg course in the 4km senior men race. After the leading group settled into a rhythm in the first lap, Mokhonoana started to wind up, beating Mzazi by a mere six seconds, clocking 11:46.

Buccariza finished in the bronze position in a time of 11:56. Kabelo Seboko triumphed over a distance of 10km senior men to maintain a successive victory in 30:30, bettering his previous time of 33:19. Ntshindiso Mphakathi, who claimed the second position in the time of 30:46, did a warhorse performance. Mphakathi finished third at the Nedbank 50km Road Race in 2:42:56 in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) two weeks ago.

Seboko’s victory boosted his confidence, leading to the remaining three leagues of the season.

“I really enjoyed the race, though it was tough and full of hills, but I took the race as a build-up towards provincial championships,” said Seboko at the post-event interview.

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