Young athlete qualifies for national athletics championships
Nine-year-old sprint prodigy Mwila Chama has wrapped up the year with a major achievement, qualifying for the prestigious Primary Sub Youth ASA Championships after a standout season on the track.
Nine-year-old Mwila Chama, representing Brakpan Athletics, has ended the year on a remarkable high after qualifying for the Primary Sub Youth ASA Championships.
The prestigious event took place at the Puk McArthur Athletics Stadium in the North West, where young athletes from across the country competed for the coveted title of national champion.
A Grade Four learner at Parkdene Primary School, Mwila’s journey began at a very young age. His passion for running was evident even before he started school.
ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni sprinter qualifies for nationals after breakthrough CGA season
His mother, Mpho Motatinyane, recalls asking him what he looked forward to most on his first day of school, to which he confidently replied, “I am going to run.”
That passion soon translated into podium finishes. In 2023, Mwila earned medals at the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) events in both the 60m and 80m. He also qualified for the provincial championships that same year, but unfortunately, he could not compete due to illness.
Mwila says his performance has improved significantly since he began training with his coach a year ago at the Germiston Stadium.
“My speed has become incredible. I aspire to be like nobody but myself, forging my own path and legacy,” he said.
His strong showing at the 2025 CGA Sub Youth Championships secured him a spot at the national Primary Sub Youth ASA Championships, where he competed in the Boys Under-9 60m event.
Motatinyane expressed immense pride in her son’s achievements and steady growth on the track.
ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni runner claims maiden provincial medal at CGA sub-youth championships
“He’s growing and getting better. His progression is amazing. He won CGA athlete of the year in 2023, and at school, he received the 2024 sports boy of the year and rugby boy of the year awards. He also has full colours in athletics under the school banner,” she said.
She added that Mwila’s athletic talent runs in the family.
“His natural God-given talent is inherited from his grandfather, who is 72 years old and still runs 10km every day. Unfortunately, he never turned professional,” Motatinyane said.
