Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) hosted its first league meeting of the 2026 Track and Field season on January 31 at the Germiston Stadium.

The event delivered a high-energy competition and exceptional performances across the track and field events.

The programme opened with the 10 000m Race Walking, which forms part of the provincial trials to select a team to represent the province at the National Race-Walking Trials, due to take place in Pretoria later in February 2026.

As a province, CGA hopes to have representation on Team SA, which will participate in the World Athletics Race Walking Championships in April 2026.

The 10 000m race walk senior females event delivered a highly competitive race walk, with Zelda Botha of Run Zone claiming 1st place in 0:50:28.00, followed closely by Thubelihle Chilenge in 2nd place at 1:05:22, while Nkhensani Cele of Boxer secured 3rd place in 1:05:23.

With growing interest in the sprints, the stadium was electrified by the 100m Men U20, where explosive speed and fast finishes thrilled spectators.

Securing first position was Jansen Van Vuuren of Brakpan, clocking 10.69. Finishing second was Ntsako Nyathi of BAC in 10.80, and rounding off the podium was Scheepers Dylan of Irun with 10.89.

PR and Communications Coordinator Nongcebo Siziba said the future of athletics is very bright, with the province’s talented youth, as shown in the 1500m Steeplechase for Girls Under 16, a technically demanding and endurance event.

“The young athletes rose to the challenge, with Chelsea Van Dyk bettering a record of 5:01 set in 2025 to clock 4:50.34, claiming the top spot.”

She was followed by Kara Beytell of Nedbank, clocking 05:51.48, and Kesha Lee Nel of Kempies, who secured third place with 05:55.41.

In the field events, there was great excitement which produced strong performances, particularly in the Senior Women’s discus, where Mignon La Grange of UJ secured the first place with a distance of 48.93, followed by Amari Van Niekerk, throwing 46.47 in the colours of Monnas, and settling for the 3rd position was Elizabeth Saayman of Nories with a distance of 43.10.

Siziba added that all events demonstrated a high standard of preparation and competitive spirit at the season’s opening.

“CGA League 1 provided athletes with an important opportunity to test form and build momentum for the remainder of the 2026 Track and Field calendar,” said Siziba.

CGA congratulates all athletes, coaches, technical officials, and affiliated clubs for their contribution to a successful event. The performances delivered at this league signal that it will be an exciting and competitive season.