Vryburger duo qualify for Gauteng cross-country championships

Vryburger High School has positioned itself as an emerging rugby powerhouse among Primrose high schools.

While the school did not achieve the specific results it hoped for on the rugby field this year, its flag was raised high on the track and trail thanks to Mpho Mametje and Cebo Ncise, who both qualified for the Gauteng Schools Athletics Provincial Cross Country Championships, which will be held in Midrand.

Mametje, a Grade 11 learner, competes in the Boys U19 8km category, while Ncise, a Grade 9 learner, competes in the U16 6km event.

What makes their story remarkable is that both athletes followed strikingly similar paths.

ALSO READ: Two top players picked by local sport institute

Their passion for running took root at Primrose Primary School, though their love for soccer meant they spent years juggling both sports. Today, they train under coach Zakhele Gumede of United Stars Athletics Club, using Vryburger’s sports grounds as their training fields.

Mametje is currently preparing for the provincial championships following an early exit in the same competition last year. Having now experienced the terrain, he feels mentally and physically prepared to deliver a better performance.

“Since joining United Stars last month, my training has drastically improved, and our coach is pushing us to target podium finishes,” said Mametje, who is competing at club level for the first time this year.

“I was originally motivated to run because people always complimented my physique and noticed my stamina on the soccer field. My athletics career started at Primrose Primary, but I had to stop running when I got to Vryburger because they didn’t have a cross-country programme at the time. In Grade 10, I jumped at the opportunity as soon as it became available.”

ALSO READ: The Corner Flag: Broken facilities, fading outrage: the real crisis in local sport

Mametje added that head of sports Ruan de Lange personally bought him tracksuits last year to ensure he could compete at provincial level. While Mametje believes his preparation will pay off, Ncise has set his sights firmly on taking home a gold medal in his category.

Ncise admits the journey has been tough, but he remains confident in his ability. After winning several medals during primary school, he suffered a setback when he first represented Vryburger.

“Last year, I started running for the school and performed very poorly, but that didn’t discourage me because I knew what I was capable of,” said Ncise. “I looked for a club and joined United Stars, and the hard work paid off. I qualified for the ASA Nationals in the U16 category and placed third overall.”

Both athletes aspire to turn professional one day. However, as they balance rigorous training with their education, challenges like a lack of proper running shoes and sponsorship present significant hurdles. While school staff step in to assist where possible, sustainable support remains a crucial need.

De Lange noted that Mametje comes from the Makause informal settlement, while Ncise lives in Primrose near Rietfontein Road.

“Both boys come from disadvantaged backgrounds, but they put their heart and sweat into their training,” said De Lange.

“Out of the 10 athletes we started with this year, all dropped off along the way, some making it as far as district level, but these two remained. Their determination is remarkable, and they are making our school proud.”

De Lange, who also serves as the school’s rugby coach alongside Bafana Moyo, was recently recognised alongside Moyo as the Noordvaal Cup 2025 coaches of the year.

Anyone interested in assisting Mpho Mametje and Cebo Ncise with sports gear, running shoes, or sponsorship can contact Vryburger High School directly on 011 828 9047.