Three girls from Robert Carruthers School have raced their way into the national spotlight, earning themselves spots on the MPU team, which qualified them for the South African Cross Country Championship.

The trio performed on September 6, making their school even prouder.

The journey began in April, when the Cross Country league season kicked off with a clear challenge: Complete five races by August 2 to qualify for the MPU Championships.

For Evadine Stander, Divine Jali, and Nissi Motau, that challenge became a mission, and they delivered.

Evadine and Divine, both competing in the U11 category, made names for themselves early when they placed third and fifth, respectively, at league races, securing spots on the interim MPU team.

That earned them a ticket to the Interprovincial race in North West on June 14, where they represented their province with pride and power.

According to their coach, Santie Stander, the real test came on August 16, when the top runners from across the province gathered for the MPU Championships. “Only the top 18 in each age group would make the final team heading to nationals.

The Robert Carruthers trio rose to the occasion,” said Santie. Evadine came in seventh place, Divine in 12th place, and Nissi Motau came in 18th place.

Their performances secured them spots on the MPU team that played for the SA Championships, where they competed against the best young athletes in the country.

“The girls ran very well. They did close to their usual times, but finished in the last pack. The U11 girls were 126 from over South Africa, Evadine came 116, and Divine came 117. Nissi was 116 from 119 athletes,” said Santie.

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