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EDOROPENI’S BUHLE SHINES IN SSSA CHAMPIONSHIPS

12/04/2018 01:04:00 BY SANELE JELE AND SIPHOSETHU DLAMINI

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LOBAMBA- She is the country’s future long distance athlete. That is Buhle Mkhonta who emerged as the winner of both the 800m and 1500m during the Swaziland School Sports Association (SSSA) track and field regional finals at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.

The 12-year-old athlete clearly proved that she was too good for her colleagues as she managed to outrun them in the above mentioned races.

In the 800m, she came first, beating strong competitors like Thandokuhle Dlamini and Bethusile Maseko who came second and third respectively. She went on to excel in the 1500m where she also took position one after clocking an impressive time of 5:06:90 minutes. Second-placed Sithembile Nzalo from Lubombo clocked 5:10:50 minutes. Coming third was Manzini’s Thandokwakhe Dlamini with a time of 5:20:30 minutes.

“I am happy that I won both the 800m and 1500m.I had trained so hard and I was positive that I would win both races. My dream is to represent the country in Commonwealth Games just like Phumlile Ndzinisa,” the young Mkhonta said.

In the male category, Melusi Khumalo of Evelyn Baring High in the Shiselweni Region also won the 1500m in a time of 4:04:90 minutes while Mncedisi Nkwanyane of Lubombo came second on 4:06:20 minutes with Mthokosizi Nhlabatsi completing the top three on 4:06:90 minutes.

“Running is in my genes and I look up to Sibusiso ‘Swazi Bolt’ Matsenjwa. I want to be the best in the country and I am hoping to meet him so that he can give me advice and a few tricks on how to be the best regardless that he is a short distance runner,” Khumalo said.

In the High Jump category, Mhlatane High School’s Bagezile Shabangu emerged as the winner. “I have been the defending champion for the past three years and I want to keep it like that even next year. I have no team actually but I would like to be part of the Royal Swaziland Police when I finish school,” Shabangu said.