Long jump athlete set to represent SA in China
CGA concluded the track and field provincial championships.
Central Gauteng Athletics long jump specialist Cheswill Johnson will represent South Africa at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, on March 21 – 23.
He secured his top spot in the province with an incredible jump of 7.73 at the CGA’s highly anticipated three-day track and field provincial championships at UJ Auckland Park Stadium.
The thrilling competition concluded on March 15, with athletes, officials, and spectators hailing the event as a resounding success.
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Over three days, more than 2 000 athletes from various local clubs, sister provinces, and neighbouring countries competed in different events.
The championships saw numerous athletes meet the South African qualifying standards for the 2025 National Track and Field Championships, with a significant number of personal best performances recorded.
The competition was fierce, with many events going down to the wire as athletes dug deep to find the extra edge needed for victory.
One of the standout performances came from Maxime Chaumeton of UJ in the senior men’s 1 500m. Chaumeton led from start to finish, securing the gold medal in a time of 03:45.12.
Jabulane Abram Ncamane of Warriors of the West claimed silver with a time of 03:49.03, while Sibusiso Msibi of UJ took bronze in 03:51.42.
In the long jump event, Johnson’s performance was a major highlight. His UJ teammate Karabo Setekge took silver with a jump of 7.52m, while Reinald Tshibumbu secured bronze with a distance of 7.20m.
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Shirley Nekhubui of UJ earned a well-deserved gold medal in the senior women’s 100m event, clocking 11.39 and securing her place in the CGA team for the National Championships by running a qualifying time.
Her teammate Joviale Mbisha also met the qualifying standard with a time of 11.53, claiming silver. In third place, Charlie Eilerd of Backtrack Sports also ran a national qualifying time of 11.83 to take bronze.
The most anticipated event of the championships, the senior men’s 100m, had spectators on their feet as the province’s fastest athletes delivered outstanding performances. Cheswill Johnson clinched first place with a time of 10.17, followed by his teammate Tsebo Matsoso, who clocked 10.21 to take silver. Kamohelo Tsotetsi claimed bronze with a time of 10.33.
Another major highlight of the championships was the fierce battle in the senior men’s 5000m, featuring some of CGA’s elite distance runners.
Kabelo Mulaudzi of Boxer, one of the pre-race favourites, successfully defended his 2024 provincial champion title with a winning time of 14:05.95.
His teammate Chris Mhlanga finished second in 14:14.05, while Zenzile Pheko, competing in the new colours of Kopano, secured third place in 14:23.11.
CGA Track and Field Commission chairperson Maggie Dicks expressed confidence in Johnson’s ability to deliver an exceptional performance for Team South Africa in China.
“We are confident that the above-mentioned athletes will represent the province well at the 2025 ASA Senior Championships, with a strong possibility of securing national titles,” said Dicks.
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“We are delighted with the success of this year’s championships. The level of competition was incredibly high, and our athletes truly rose to the occasion. We are proud to have provided a platform for them to showcase their talents.
“CGA Track and Field Commission extends its gratitude to all athletes, officials, volunteers, and spectators who contributed to the success of the championships,” Dicks said.
