Junior runner makes club proud at championships

Katlehong Athletics Club (KAC) junior runner Indiphile Myeki (11) brought a silver medal home after obtaining position two at the Athletics South Africa’s (ASA) Sub Youth Track and Field Provincial championships held at Secunda, Mpumalanga, on December 2.

Myeki won silver in the 1 200m U11 boys and his teammate, Imange Molose, obtained position seven for 1 500m race walker, U13 boys.

The pair were selected to represent the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA). This follows their success at the Sub Youth Provincial Championships at Germiston Stadium, on November 18.

Proud KAC junior coach Jomo Mbele said Myeki displayed an impressive performance in the U11 1 200m race.

“He did very well in the 1 200m and completed the race in three minutes 42 seconds. It was not a huge difference from the first position holder who completed in three minutes 41 seconds and 51 milliseconds.

“His performance makes me really proud. He has proved that the time we spent preparing was worth it, and it shows that the talent is there. Molose recently started race walking. It has many technicalities and if you don’t adhere you become disqualified. I am proud that he completed without cautions or disqualification.”

Myeki’s parents, Zonke and Nompumelelo Myeki, said they encouraged him to attend training and supported him by attending his races whenever possible.

“Although he promised gold, we are happy that he brought something home and most importantly his hard work showed off. We are speechless, he made us proud. We trusted him and believed in the Almighty God to help him in his journey,” said the Myeki family.

The 11-year-old aspiring athlete joined KAC in February. He resides at Mandela Informal Section in Katlehong and attends school at Tamaho Primary School (TPS).

He said he was looking forward to obtaining gold, however, the silver makes him confident that he will do much better next year.

“I started running at school and later joined the club. It feels like home. I am inspired by coach Mbele, he is the best,” said Myeki.

He said he loves running because it is not like soccer, you work hard alone, not as team.

“I believe running with change both my and my family’s life. I want to continue with my studies while running as a professional.”

According to Mbele, the youngster was among 16 other runners recruited from TPS.

He said their talent was identified by a teacher who asked the club to accommodate them during their back-to-school initiative when they visited the school to hand over school shoe donations.

“These athletes have proved that your background does not determine your success in life, that is why I decided to invest my time in them; they show determination.”