Individually, provinces may have their own strengths, but it is only through unity and collaboration that Mpumalanga created a team of champions. The team from Mpumalanga was formed after Ehlanzeni TVET College was crowned as champions of Mpumalanga in the Provincial CoSACSA athletics intercollege competition that took place in Secunda on the 24 -26 March 2023. Gert Sibande College came in second position and Nkangala College came in position three.
The team from Mpumalanga had athletes from the three Colleges, each with their own unique set of skills. Together, they formed a great team. As a result, they took part in the National COSACSA Athletics Competition held at Pietermaritzburg’s Msunduzi Athletics Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal. The competition commenced from 27th April to 29th April 2023.
It was a very exhilarating week in Pietermaritzburg, and the city was buzzing with excitement as the National athletics event for colleges was about to begin. Moreover, South African TVET College’s athletes gathered to compete in a three-day event that had promised to be filled with thrilling competitions and impressive performances. Furthermore, as all the teams arrived, the atmosphere was electrifying, with the sound of cheering and applause filling the air.
Day one competitions kicked off with the 10 000-meter finals for senior women and then the combined junior and senior men took place after where athletes witnessed going head-to-head on the long-distance competition. The first day locked with hurdles races. KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces had a tie on their athletes only obtaining positions one and two.
The focus shifted to the shorter distance races from the day two. The 3000m, 1500m 800m until the 100m heats and finals experienced a fierce competition. Athletes were pushing themselves to the brink of exhaustion as they raced towards the finish line. Moreover, high jump, long jump, discus, shot put, and javelin were amongst the other sporting codes. Additionally, athletes graced with dedication and precision participated in them.
The 4x100m relay was the real highlight on the last day for the crowd. Teams of four athletes took turns sprinting around the track passing the baton to each with precision timing. As the event ended, winning teams were announced. Team Mpumalanga came in position six with five gold, nine silver and fifteen bronze medals. The organizers announced that Mpumalanga will host the National COSACSA athletics competition in 2024.
It has been a truly memorable three days, filled with incredible performances and moments of sheer athleticism and sportsmanship. For the athletes, it was an opportunity to showcase their skills and talent. All while competing against some of the best in the South African TVET Colleges. The National athletics event was a resounding success. Everyone involved greatly played their part in making it a truly unforgettable experience.