Nkandla Mayoral Cup hailed a success

Determination, focus and zeal paid off for two young Nkandla first-time runners who scooped 1st place in the 10km Mayoral Cup Marathon held on Saturday.

The duo, Silindokuhle Thusi (17) and Busani Nsele (20), surpassed expectations and each walked away with the R2 000 prize.

The race started in Vumanhlamvu and ended at the Nkandla Stadium. Nsele said the race was challenging at the start, but he managed to stick to his plan and enjoyed it.

A Grade 12 Lushaba Secondary School learner, Nsele said he worked hard to prepare for the race and learnt a lot.

“It was not easy at the start as the route was uphill, but I was mentally prepared for it. This was a learning curve for me. I made so many mistakes but, fortunately, I managed to win.

“I am ready to amend those mistakes going forward and am planning to participate in more competitions of this nature so I can become a professional athlete,” he said.

The ladies’ Mayoral Cup Marathon winner, Thusi, is a Grade 11 learner at Senzela Secondary, and this was her first race.

“My preparation for the race was tough as I had to train and return home to do my schoolwork and household chores daily. I worked hard. When I heard this year’s Mayoral Cup would include a marathon, I started preparing,” she said.

Nkandla Mayor Nonhlanhla Nzuza said the municipality was pleased with the turnout of spectators and appreciated the role played by the sponsors, adding that these games boost the local economy.

“The marathon was successful; we included it after residents showed us they wanted it and had a great passion to participate. It would be great if our marathon winners could get a chance to participate in a well-recognised marathon,” said Nzuza.

Talent scouts

Nkandla sport confederation chair Mhlaba Mthembu said they invited soccer scouts from PSL clubs such as Richards Bay FC and AmaZulu FC to potentially scout talent during the games.

“We are new in office, but we have a good working relationship with the municipality and the mayor. We appreciate her endeavours to grow sport in our area.

“Most of our local soccer players are playing in the ABC Motsepe League, and we hope they will grow. We are also grateful the marathon was included this year.

We do not have athletics clubs in Nkandla, and we are working on that as we have many athletes running for outside clubs,” said Mthembu.

Nkandla Mayoral Cup winners

Soccer:
Position 1. Strikers FC (Ward 12) walked away with R30 000, a trophy, medals and soccer kit
Position 2. Abafana Begazi (Ward 10) received R20 000, silver medals and soccer kit

CHESS: Open
1. Buthelezi Deneo
2. Mavundla Simo
3. Magwaza Lwazi
4. Nhlanzeko Ndlovu

Boxing
1. Future Champ Boxing Club – 30 points
2. Nqundu – 16 points
3. M1 – 11 points
4. Golozela – 6 points

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