Mthashana student taking the world of athletics by storm

Sbonakaliso Sinethemba Mbuyisa is a Civil Engineering student who is also taking the world of athletics by storm. Studying at Mthashana College, Nongoma Campus, and living in Vryheid, she started taking part in athletics at the campus this year and has done extremely well so far.
Sbonakaliso says she was first introduced to athletics by her former coach, Lindokuhle Ngema. She joined Lindokuhle Athletics Club in 2016 while still attending Mpofini High School. In 2018, she started doing javelin when she was in Ulundi – being introduced by Siyabonga Zwane, who also mentored her.

Sibonakaliso has entered various competitions in events such as walking, running and javelin – always securing the top positions.
This year, she has been representing Mthashana College and putting them on top.
She mentions that, “My first competition this year was at Cecil Emmett in March, where I did 800m,400m and the 400mx100m relay. In the 800m, I obtained first position; 400m second; and 4x100m we also came first. I also wanted to do the 3000m run or walk, but the events only started from 800m downward. I also wished to do javelin, but there were no field events. Luckily, I was selected for the next level to represent the whole Mthashana College; the games were hosted in Pietermaritzburg at the Msunduzi Athletics Stadium from March 14 to 17. At Msunduzi, there was a long distance event and they allowed us to change events. In the 3000m steeple chase, I came fifth. In javelin-throwing 600g, I did really well and obtained first position with a throw of 27.39m. Afterwards, I was selected as part of the KZN team for javelin.’’

She went on to explain that in April, she took part in the National Games as part of the KZN team, with the games being hosted at the Pietermaritzburg Msunduzi Athletics Stadium.
‘’Again I came first in javelin with a throw of 34.71m. For college games in athletics, so far I have five medals – four gold and one silver for 2023.’’
She concluded by saying, ‘’I really enjoy sport and one day it is my dream to make a living from it.” She advises the youth not to give up in pursuit of their sporting dreams. ‘’Take risks with your life and future! I would like to thank Lindokuhle Ngema, Siyabonga Zwane, Londiwe Mbatha, Nokwazi Ndlela, my dad and my uncle for their continuous support.’’

ALSO READ: Students compete in book review and poetry session

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.