Gauteng cross-country team welcomes new talent
The Tiisetsong Secondary School athlete impressed in the CGA Provincial Cross Country Championships and will compete at nationals.
Tshepiso Mofokeng enjoyed an awesome performance at the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Provincial Cross Country Championships, securing her spot in the Gauteng team.
She finished in fifth position in the girls’ U17 4km event, running for Boxer Athletics.
The Tiisetsong Secondary School Grade 11 learner was super excited about her performance, and this time she’s confident about competing at the nationals.
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She already made her national debut earlier this year, showing off her skills as a 2000m steeplechase specialist in Cape Town.
She mentioned that during her first nationals appearance, she was still trying to wrap her head around being there.
She said the CGA event was a tough competition where fatigue started kicking in after the first 2km, but the more people she passed, the more confidence she gained, and she kept on running.
“The last 1km was super tough, and I was nervous – especially since I had a muscle pull during training. My coach, before the championships, told me to relax and take it slow,” said Mofokeng.
Mofokeng also competes in school events and won her last race to qualify for the Cross Country District championships at EG Jansen High School.
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Now she’s focusing on training and staying positive.
Mofokeng’s aunt, Pontsho Sefudi, is beaming with pride over her niece’s achievement.
She congratulated Mofokeng, saying she’s “over the moon” for her and wants her to succeed.
Sefudi calls herself Mofokeng’s biggest supporter.
Coach Thulani Sibeko, who discovered Mofokeng at the Germiston Stadium during a school event, is pleased with the athlete’s progress and how she’s adapted to changes in training schedules.
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Under Sibeko’s guidance, Mofokeng has had some big successes.
Sibeko said Mofokeng has improved a lot since they started working together.
At school, Mofokeng is doing well both in academics and athletics.
Sibeko is planning to resume training with Mofokeng as soon as possible at the Germiston Stadium, wanting to end the season on a high note.
On August 22, Mofokeng competed at the Cross Country District championships and came first in the girls’ U17 4 km distance event.
