Central Gauteng Athletics runners close cross-country season

Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) held its last league of cross-country season on August 14 at Alberton Dam.

This was in partnership with the Tsogo Sun Hotels and National Lotteries Commission.

The fifth league event saw athletes willing to compete and prepare for provincial championships despite running in windy, cold conditions over the weekend.

Communications officer of Central Gauteng Athletics Atiso Molefe said the event started with u-8 boys and girls who ran a distance of 1km.

“Thandolwethu Mashele claimed his third consecutive victory to end season in a time of 04:50. Karlien van Rooyen in the girls’ category finished five seconds ahead of Mashele, clocking 04:45.

Elvis Mokhonoana and Nicole van der Merwe, both from UJ Athletics Club, dominated the 2km senior men and women event, clocking 06:16 and 07:26 respectively,” he said.

He said Mokhonoana’s coach, Elvis Khoza, highlighted that Mokhonoana is concentrating on testing his speed in preparation for his main event of 10km.

According to Molefe, CGA selection for Cross-Country Championships states an athlete must run any three of the five leagues to be considered for the provincial championships.

Champions

“One of the highlighting events was the 4km senior women, which saw a head-to-head clash between Gene Coetzee and Lebo Phalula.

“With one lap to go, Coetzee caused a considerable upset by blasting away from her senior, finishing in the time of 16:44, a minute ahead of Phalula,” he said.

Marko Bucarizza was said to have remained unbeaten in his favourite event of 4km senior men after he won his third victory this season in a time of 14:33.

“Boxer Athletics Club once again dominated the 10km senior men, this time represented by Lucky Mohale who showcased a constant form in cross-country.

“This season Mohale claimed first victory clocking by clocking 33:49,” said Molefe.

The women event was won by Cacisile Sosibo, who reportedly found a reason to celebrate Women’s Month, securing her second victory this season in a time of 40:53.

In the post-event interview, Sosibo highlighted she was confident with her form and looks forward to contesting for the 10km title at the provincial championships.

CGA Cross-Country chairperson Steven Khanyile said the commission was pleased with how the leagues have run.
He also said athletes were given sufficient leagues to prepare themselves for the 2021 National Cross-Country Championships.

He confirmed that the province will be sending a strong team to compete for more medals at nationals.

“Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 regulations and to manage the numbers, provincial championships will allow athletes who have more than three leagues to enter in line with the qualifying criteria for selection,” said Molefe.