Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) proudly sent out a strong team this past weekend 7 September 2024 to represent the province at the 2024 ASA Cross Country Championships hosted at the Vaal University of Technology.
The Central Gauteng Athletics Team celebrated each and every victory with great pride as athletes brought back home team medals and secured quite a number of the 2024 National Cross Country Titles.
It was a day filled with joy for the Cross Country commission, Coaches, supporters and most importantly athletes who joined in at every celebration of a medal from a fairly challenging course that consisted of multiple hills.
One of the outstanding performances of the day and exciting to watch has to be both the Senior Men and Women 10km which is part of the World Athletics Championships events. In the Men’s event, what was a showstopper did not disappoint as CGA athletes took a clean sweep of the podium with Kabelo Mulaudzi proving to be in form and defending his 2023 in an amazing time of 28:01. Securing a silver medal for the province was CGA’s long distance runner Bennet Seloyi clocking 28:21, Chris Mhlanga settled for 3rd position finishing in the time 28:37 bagging a bronze medal for the province.
The women 10km event was equally thrilling with Cian Oldknow proving to be an incredible athlete having to achieve a 2:30.29 at the Paris Olympic and in less than a month claim a National 10km Title clocking 32:43. As the province we are delighted by the performance of our Olympian and of a great season she has had. The silver medal position was claimed by the CGA long distance runner Cacisile Sosibo in the time of 33:20.
In the Junior women 6km, we saw the upcoming strong and passionate star Hlengiwe Gift Nkosi claiming yet another victory for the province in a very relaxed run clocking 20:56. Nkosi has been doing exceptionally well during this cross country season, as a province we are very confident that she will continue to deliver a great performance in her future athletics career.
The thrilling and exciting Junior Men 8km event is always part of the events to look out for and this event was no different. Zenzile Pheko put up an exceptional performance to be crowned the 2024 National Junior 8km Cross Country Champion in a field of equally brilliant athletes to secure his well-deserved gold medal in the time of 23:13. Pheko has been very consistent in his performance across the different disciplines in the province including his performances during the last track and field season.
The senior men 2km event has always been described as the fast and furious cross country event with 1 fast lap that the athletes have to excel in speed. Boikanyo Motlhamme who is also a defending champion led the race from the start to finish securing his gold medal. During the post-event interview, Motlhamme reflected on his incredible determination and consistency that had endured throughout the season. This win solidifies his place as a champion in the 2km Cross Country distance, “I can say all the hard work and dedication put in this season was worth it” said Motlhamme.
Central Gauteng Athletics Acting President Ms. Karabo Mabilo congratulated Team CGA and the Cross Country commission on the brilliant performance at the National Championships. She sends her special congratulations to all medal winners and their respective coaches. It was an exciting day which was full of positivity demonstrated by all CGA members and supporters. A special thank you to all CGA athletes who represented the province with great pride, team management, coaches and all supporters who were flying the CGA flag high.
Herewith please find the attached Provisional Individual and Team Results for your information. Any queries must be submitted through the provincial office not later than Tuesday, 10 September 2024.
