After an exciting 2020 PUMA School of Speed Series, an initiative launched by Usain Bolt, the sports brand has welcomed local sprinting sensation Vuyo Ndlovhu for the upcoming season. He is one of six athletes who caught the attention of the leading sports brand during the series this year.

Vuyo, a grade 12 at Hoërskool Rob Fereira, needs no introduction as locally he has dominated the talk at events like the above-mentioned, as well as the Mediclinic Nelspruit Interhigh, shattering numerous records on the track. Coached by Gerhard du Toit, Vuyo has locally become somewhat of a local Usain Bolt, tearing up the 100-metre track in breathtaking times such as 10,28 seconds.

He also recorded his personal best time of 21,40 seconds in the 200 metres and 49,10 seconds in 400 metres in local events last year. “We are excited to welcome these six exceptional young athletes as PUMA Future Stars,” said PUMA marketing director Brett Bellinger, and added that the series delivered spectacular results in 2020, making the selection process a difficult one.

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“These six athletes really impressed us. We look forward to being with them every step of the way as they continue to excel in the exciting sport of track and field,” he said. Vuyo, who was born in Thulamahashe, said that the brand and its slogan ‘Forever Faster’ motivates him to be confident, brave and joyful at the same time.

“The PUMA School of Speed gives athletes from around the country a platform to display their talent and the opportunity to go up against the best. Being chosen as a PUMA ambassador means the world to me.

I have always dreamt of being like Usain Bolt, now it feels like I am one step closer,” Vuyo said. Even though she later relocated to Hammanskraal, one of the athletes, Banele Shabangu, was born in Barberton. She is now a proud student of Prestige College, and continues to make waves in the 100-metre and 200-metre events.

“The series motivated me to work hard. I broke my PB in the 200-metre event at the PUMA School of Speed #5 in Pretoria this year, in a time of 24,48 seconds. I’ve dreamt about joining the PUMA family ever since I started participating in the meets. My dream has come true,” she said. In addition to representing the brand, the six PUMA contract winners, aka Future Stars, will have access to PUMA’s elite running ambassadors who will offer guidance on and off the track.