'We want athletes who will represent the nation' - Sello Mokoena launches girls athletics academy in KZN

Former KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) President Sello Mokoena has made a return to the sport. Not in an administrative position though, but as the head of an athletics development program aimed at unearthing future champions. Last week, Mokoena successfully launched the project under the name of Wildniss Academy following nearly two years of groundwork behind the scenes.

The KZN Academy that produced the likes of Nkosinathi Sibiya and Cacisile Sosibo. Photo Credit: Supplied.

The launch which took place on Friday 30 August, was attended by the likes of 2015 Comrades Marathon Champion Gift Kelehe, 1992 New York Marathon winner Willie Mtolo, legendary runner Blainche Moila as well as renowned coach Victor Vaz who guided 400m man Zakithi Nene to the Olympic Games. Mokoena emphasised that their academy which will be based in Kloof, South West of Durban will focus solely on girls especially those from the township.

"At the moment, we have eight girls that we have already recruited to work with professional coaches while we also make sure that they further their studies. We decided to focus on girls because most of the time they are not paid as much attention and they end up failing to achieve according to their talents," explains the outspoken Mokoena.

Top ultra marathon athletes Gift Kelehe (far left) and Frans Chauke (second from right) were in attendance at the launch. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"At the moment, we are working with schools in townships like Chesterville and Mayville. We are hoping to expand going forward but its also good to start small so we can handle things better and calculate the results first. I'm proud of what we have achieved since our inception as we aim to grow even bigger. The bigger picture is that we want athletes who will be able to represent us as the nation. Looking where we came from, the future looks good," he said.

Mokoena is no stranger to development. During his tenure as provincial athletics boss, he formed an academy in Newcastle whose fruits are still being enjoyed today. Top runners such as 1 500m specialist Nkosinathi Sibiya and 10km and half marathon runner Cacisile Sosibo are the products of the project which had legendary mentor Michael 'Sponge' Seme as its head coach. Mokoena believes that the same results can be achieved.

Mokoena (front centre) pictured with the KZNA development athletes some of whom (Zakithi Nene and Amy Naude) have gone on to be national and international competitors. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"When we launched that Academy in Newcastle, the federation wasn't using a cent of its funds. All the backing came from sponsors which included the Provincial Department of Sports and Culture. Then the following year, the National Lottery came on board after seeing the wonderful job that we were doing. We also had a partnership with local taxi association which was contributing largely to the local economy. Beyond assisting athletes, it resulted in social development. So we are hoping for those results again."