MAKHADO – A member of the Phosphate Athletics Club in Phalaborwa, Johannes Monyela, performed extremely well when he won the Soutpansberg Mountain Race (21,1 km) at Makhado last Saturday. His time was 1:21:03 and he received R750 and a trophy.

Rocky Nyathi, also from Phalaborwa Phosphate, finished in the second position in 01:23:54 and he received R500. A prize of R250 went to Chilus Nemukula, who finished the race in 01:25.41.

The winner in the 10km fun run for women is Denga Mashavha of the MT Athletics Club, who finished the event in 42:05. Mavis Mainganye of Tshakhuma followed at 42:25, with M Mashika of Sinthumule in third place.

In the men’s 10km race, Philip Mudau of Transnet won the race in 31:27. The second and third position went to the brothers Rudzani and Mudzuli Mamanyuwa of the Vondwe Athletics Club.

In the veteran category, Thomas Ngobeni of Soutpansberg Athletics club won the race in a time of 1:28.57. The second position went to Fanus Eksteen of Polokwane in 1:50.40 with Kanakana Mammuabe of Soutpansberg in 1:54.28.

Petrus Davhana of the SAPS won the master’s category and Allan Johnson of Polokwane was in the second position. The well-known runner, Petrus Ngobeni of Soutpansberg, won the grandmaster title in 1:50.52. NR Phandavhudzi of Phalaborwa ended second position.

In the ladies category, Mavis Maduka of Tshakhuma Athletics Club was the winner. Ndofhiwa Mandiwana of Vondwe Athletic Club was the runner-up, with Constance Mavhina of Thskhuma in third position. She also won the veteran ladies category, followed by Santie Coetzee and Karen Bam.

The well-known grandmaster, Mavhungu Ravele, attended the event. He encouraged young people to work harder in order to achieve their goals. Makhado municipality and Coca-Cola Fortune sponsored the race. Mr Stanley Thompson, chairman of the Soutpansberg Athletics Club stated that it was important to identify the talents of future stars at an early age. He applauded the Makhado Municipality and other sponsors for their contribution in the process of unearthing hidden talents amongst young people in the area. Thompson urged young people to be proud of their own talents.