Local runner has eyes set on gold
Local roadrunner, Aubrey Mabuza, who will participate in his second trail race, say he is unfazed by the threat posed by reigning South African trail champion, Thabang Madiba, ahead of the event this coming Saturday.
Madiba won his title in Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch last year.
The race will take place at Pilgrim’s Rest, Mount Sheba. Mabuza’s first trail race was recently in Pretoria where he came first in the 20km race in 1:16:48, in the process defeating defending champion Sizwe Dhlomo.
“I hope God will allow me to be the South African trail champion. All the people are looking at Thabang Madiba. But I’m unfazed by him.
Looking at his previous finishing time in the same race and comparing it with mine in Pretoria’s race, I’m adamant I’m going to beat him,” said an upbeat Mabuza.
He said a win for him in this race would open chances of participating in the USA Oregon Open Trail Championships.
“My aim in the Pilgrim’s Rest event is to go there to win. I did it in Pretoria against a defending champion (Dhlomo) and I will do it again this time against the defending SA champ (Madiba),” said Mabuza, adding that his preparation was going smoothly.
Mabuza said he was fully convinced that his running career was finally moving up to an international standard. Caster Semenya’s coach, Stephen Mkoka is his new training coach.
