Moses Nghomane, caretaker at the Florida Lake Canoe Club, and Fleurhof resident Nkosi Mzolo proved their paddling prowess at the 75th edition of the Dusi Canoe Marathon, held in KZN last month.

The 120km race takes place over three days (February 19 to 21) and guides paddlers along the scenic Msunduzi and uMngeni rivers.

Nghomane partnered with Renier Kruger of Benoni. They completed day one in 03:27:00, day two in 06:04:00 and day three in 03:42:00, finishing the race in a combined time of 13:15:00.

Mzolo, coach of the Soweto Canoe and Recreation Club (SCARC), competed with partner Mfaniseni Nyambose. They finished sixth in the sub-veteran men’s category. The pair recorded 02:21:00 on day one and 05:05:00 over the remaining two days.

According to Jennie Dallas, public relations officer for the Gauteng Canoe Union, the SCARC team finished strongly on day three and won the first team award.

Despite the demanding conditions, paddlers showed determination, although some withdrew due to injury or boat damage, which is not unusual on the river.

“The overall Soweto team results reflect Benjamin Mntonintshi and Siseko Ntondini finished fifth overall, as the first paddlers from Gauteng to cross the finish line,” said Dallas.

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