Young cross country runner is keen to go the distance
Her coach, Boikie Gama, said the young runner quickly opened up the lead, with 100 metres separating her from the nearest competitor.
Boikie Gama and his protégé, 12-yearold Sheba Sithole, stunned onlookers at the South African School Sports Association’s national cross-country championships at Hoërskool Rob Ferreira last weekend. The White River Primary School pupil did not disappoint, exceeding her own expectations after claiming first place in the 12-year-old girls’ race.
The three-kilometre run was easier than her previous race, Sheba confessed. “It was an easier race compared to when I competed in the provincial finals. My fitness levels peaked at just the right time and I was able to run comfortably,” she said.
Her coach, Gama, added, “As soon as the signal went, she opened up a commanding lead between her and the other runners. The gap between them was almost 100 metres.
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“During the previous race, she was slightly under the weather and her improved health showed as she pitted herself against runners from all provinces.”
Gama could scarcely conceal his excitement that a youngster from Msogwaba Trust was able to pull off this feat against stiff competition.
“She scooped gold barely a few weeks after an outstanding performance at the provincial finals. She is the only cross country runner in the province, across all age categories, to have placed first at last week’s finals.”
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The bronze rhinoceros she was awarded for her exceptional performance holds a place of pride at the Definition clubhouse, which Sheba represents. Gama continued speaking about the environment which spawned the young athlete and added that, despite the adverse circumstances, she has managed to remain committed to athletics.
“Sport is a way out for many young athletes and Sheba is living proof that remaining focused in the face of adversity can open many doors.
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“We are currently training on the roads in Msogwaba Trust, which is not ideal, but Chief Hlungu Nkosi has donated a parcel of land which I envision to build a multipurpose athletics field on to train promising young athletes.”
He added that his sole wish is to obtain the sponsorship to start building the athletics academy of his dreams.
“As long as I am alive, I will engage stakeholders to secure the funding to make this dream a reality. Through sport, we can change the direction many unfulfilled talents take.”
