Warriors of the West’s star runner dominates in Westonaria
Azania Noah blazed past the competition at CGA League 5, making Westonaria proud with an unforgettable run.
The Warriors of the West Athletics Club’s star athlete, Azania Noah, performed like a runaway train on fire during the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Cross Country League 5 held at the Westonaria Sports Complex on July 12.
Azania ran in the boys’ U16 6km event. From the outset, he broke away from the other contestants, along with Sipho Ellis Mollo from Munseville Kopano Athletics Club. Azania went on a solo flight to cross the finish line first in a time of 19 minutes and nine seconds, while arch rival Tyran Brooks from Boxer Athletic Club came in second with 19 minutes and 23 seconds.
Tshepang Ntlatla from Diepsloot Athletics Club took the third spot in 19 minutes and 29 seconds, while Sipho Mollo placed fourth in a time of 19 minutes and 55 seconds.
“I just ran the race according to what my coach taught me. The plan is to focus on the next league and the CGA Cross Country Championships in August,” he said, whose victory had supporters excited and his mother proud.
Another teammate who did well in their respective events included Atlehang Mokhobo in the U14 4km event with a time of 15 minutes and five seconds. Owethu Maluleke won the girls’ U9 2km race in a time of eight minutes and eight seconds, while Relopofaditswe Ntsane won gold in the boys’ U10 race with a time of seven minutes and 31 seconds. Olerato Nyathela also finished first in the girls’ U11 3km in a time of 13 minutes and 15 seconds.
Other top local athletes present were Cornelia Joubert, who won the Women’s Sub-Veteran 4km event in a time of 15 minutes and 35 seconds, as well as Kabelo Melamu, who came first in the senior men’s 4km race.
“It was indeed pleasing to host athletics again in our facility. We, however, had challenges due to theft and vandalism of the pipes for some weeks, but we did provide a water truck to mitigate the challenge,” said Rand West City facility officer Ronnie Medupe.
CGA general manager Mandla Radebe also expressed his satisfaction.
“It is inspiring to have back-to-back events which paint a good picture for athletics in our local area,” he said.
