Brakpan Athletics Club star earns South Africa selection
He will represent the country in the regional event, capping an impressive season where he won two golds at the SASA Primary Schools track and field championships in Cape Town.
Hurdler and thrower Zayden Pistorius is relishing the opportunity to represent South Africa at the Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
The Laerskool Baanbrekker learner earned his national selection after a breakthrough season in which he dominated his events at the South African Schools Athletics (SASA) Track and Field Championships in Cape Town in March.
Representing Gauteng, the Brakpan Athletics Club sensation clinched gold in the U13 boys’ 80m hurdles in 11.16, edging runner-up Liam Kriek by just one-thousandth of a second.
He added a second gold in the discus, throwing 46.69m to beat runner-up Eithan Gerhard by 0.95m.
The COSSASA Games take place from August 31 to September 3, with Pistorius describing his selection as the biggest achievement of his young career.
“It feels very good. I want to thank God for my talent and my coach for pushing me all the time,” he said.
Coached by throwing and sprinting specialist Nicholas Jansen van Vuuren of Freeway Park, Pistorius believes hard work, commitment and dedication have been key to his success.
“I worked hard all season. It was a rewarding season, and it’s all because of the private sessions with my coach that I managed to achieve good results.”
Jansen van Vuuren, who also coaches sprinters Jessica Botha and his son Donovan, said Pistorius’ work ethic has been central to his rapid development.
“He’s a hard worker. From when we started, he has shown tremendous commitment and dedication. He’s multitalented in everything,” he said.
Pistorius and Jansen van Vuuren first joined forces three years ago. While their first season together was challenging, the past two years have produced a string of impressive performances.
“Zayden has broken seven SA primary schools hurdles records. He has also broken the primary schools discus record and just missed the shot put record,” said Jansen van Vuuren.
“Our first year together wasn’t great, but since then, he has been improving.”
Reflecting on his journey, Pistorius said his love for athletics developed naturally from a young age and credited his coach for helping him reach his potential.
“I developed my love for the sport in pre-school. It came naturally. I’ve enjoyed the journey. I’ve worked hard, and I’m thankful to have found a coach who guided me to this success.”
