Ekurhuleni sprinter qualifies for nationals after breakthrough CGA season
Competing at provincials for the third time, he placed second in the 200m, finally qualifying for the national championships, where he finished fourth.
Tshegofatso Monaise is gearing up to enter the new year with confidence as he prepares to compete in Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) events.
The young sprinter joined a club for the first time in June, making his debut at the UJ Summer Challenge, where he competed in the 60m and 150m races.
Inspired by sprint legend Usain Bolt, the Grade 10 learner has always represented his schools but had never competed at club level until this year.
The talented 15-year-old recently showcased his rising potential at the Akani Simbine Foundation event, competing in the 100m and 200m races. He clocked an impressive 10.9 seconds in the 100m, finishing third overall, and secured second place overall in the 200m with a time of 21.8 seconds in the U15 catergory.
Tshegofatso also competed in the Bestmed Egoli Grand Prix, a high school athletics competition, in the U15 category, participating in both the 100m and 200m. Although the results did not meet his expectations, he remains focused and motivated.
“I’ve seen improvements in my acceleration,” he said. “I’m not happy with my results in the Egoli events because I know I could have done better.”
Tshegofatso’s journey began in Grade R, and by Grade Seven he started climbing the ranks, reaching the provincials on school level where he placed fourth. In Grade Nine he placed third at the provincials but missed out on qualifying for nationals.
This year, he returned determined to break the pattern and he did. Competing at provincials for the third time, he placed second in the 200m, finally qualifying for the national championships, where he finished fourth.
His progress and determination signal a promising future as he aims for even stronger performances in 2026.
