Paddlers from the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club (Dabs) delivered an impressive performance at the South African Sprint Canoeing Championships, held at Roodeplaat Dam from March 27 to 29.

Read more: Emmarentia paddlers take on epic Dusi Marathon

Competing against the country’s top sprint athletes, the Emmarentia-based club showcased both depth and excellence across multiple age groups and race categories. The championships, regarded as a key pathway to international selection, featured 1 000m, 500m and 200m sprint races, along with a demanding 5 000m event.

Among the standout performers was rising star Kayla Sazalay, who, at just 18, competed in the U23 category. She delivered an exceptional performance, securing five medals and once again earning selection to represent South Africa on the international stage. Having already competed internationally in Portugal, Poland and Slovakia, Sazalay continues to cement her status as one of the country’s most promising young paddlers.

Also read: Dabs paddlers find success in Portugal

Teammate Alexa Godden also impressed, relishing the opportunity to race against elite competitors, including Olympians. Her performance highlighted both her competitive spirit and determination to grow at the highest level. Godden also debuted in a new K2 partnership with Esti Olivier, signalling exciting prospects for future competitions.

The club’s success extended beyond its top athletes, with strong performances from experienced paddlers such as Clinton Cook and Daniel van Heerden, as well as dedicated masters and development paddlers. From young competitors to seasoned athletes, Dabulamanzi demonstrated its strength as a breeding ground for talent. With a blend of youth, experience and international ambition, Dabs once again proved itself as a powerhouse in South African sprint canoeing.

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