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ASA Champs. The ASA Champs U16, U18, U20, and U23 Track and Field Championships, held at Green Point Athletics Stadium from 27–29 March, brought together South Africa’s most promising young athletes. For Curro, this year’s event marked a historic milestone. A record-breaking 56 learners competed at a national level. This is a testament to the school group’s growing investment in athletics. Their dedication paid off, with the team bagging an impressive 8 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze medals.
Leading the charge were learners from Curro Hazeldean, Durbanville, Hillcrest, Aurora, Heuwelkruin, Nelspruit, and Meridian Pinehurst. Their participation shows Curro’s commitment to developing future champions through structured training, mentorship, and world-class coaching.
Curro’s commitment to athletics has led to outstanding growth, with this year’s national championship seeing an unprecedented number of its learners competing. Leading this is Manus Hendriks, Curro’s Sports Project Manager for Athletics, who is driving a new era of sporting excellence. Under his guidance, Curro is implementing premier sports programmes to refine athletic skills and create opportunities for learners to excel in competitive sports.
“Currently, 25 schools are part of our programme, which has incorporated the concept of mass participation and allowed for every child to feel that they matter at every level. Our goal is to create an environment where young athletes can thrive, pushing their limits and competing at the highest level. The record number of Curro learners at this year’s national championship is proof of the effectiveness of our programmes and the dedication of our athletes,” says Hendriks.
Rising stars dominate the track
Talent thrives when nurtured, and this was evident in the standout performances of Curro’s athletes. Their dedication and skill led to impressive achievements, with several medal winners among them. Mukona ‘Smiley’ Manavhela claimed gold in both the 100m and 200m, while Tiisetso Malungane secured gold in the 800m and 1500m – both representing Curro Hazeldean.
- Mukona Manavhela (Curro Hazeldean) – Gold – Men U18 100m (10.44); he recently clocked 10.21s at the AGN Provincial Championships, just 0.009s off the national U18 record.
- Mukona Manavhela (Curro Hazeldean) – Gold – Men U18 200m (20.89)
- Realebogo Smith (Curro Hazeldean) – Gold – Men U20 5000m (14.24.45)
- Tiisetso Malungane (Curro Hazeldean) – Gold – Boys U16 1500m (3.53) New Record
- Tiisetso Malungane (Curro Hazeldean) – Gold – Boys U16 800m (1.52.85)
- Tiisetso Malungane (Curro Hazeldean) – Gold – Men U18 3000m (08.38.47)
- Matimba Baloyi (Curro Hazeldean) – Gold – Boys U16 300m Hurdles (38.47)
- Paballo Radebe (Curro Hazeldean) – Gold – Women U23 800m (02.10.45)
- Paballo Radebe (Curro Aurora) – Silver – Boys U16 100m (11.08)
- Kabelo Mnisi (Curro Hazeldean) – Silver – Boys U16 Long Jump (6.73m)
- Kitso Mokoma (Curro Hazeldean) – Silver – Boys U16 100m Hurdles (13.01)
- Anoxolo Mcetywa (Curro Hazeldean) – Silver – Women U18 3000m (09.38.79)
- Matodzi Ndou (Curro Hazeldean) – Silver – Men U20 400m Hurdles (51.60)
- Mokgadi Maake (Curro Hazeldean) – Silver – Girls U16 200m (25.09)
- Michaela Spocter (Meridian Pinehurst) – Silver – Women U18 High Jump (1.76m)
- Zatu Hlongwane (Curro Hazeldean) – Bronze – Men U20 100m (10.44)
- Amogelang Motlatte (Curro Hazeldean) – Bronze – Women U18 100m Hurdles (14.4)
- Keamogetse Moneyki (Curro Hazeldean) – Bronze – Men U20 Triple Jump (13.92m)
- Siyabonga Mbeleki (Curro Hazeldean) – Bronze – Men U20 3000m Steeplechase (09.08.89)
Next generation of Olympians
These outstanding athletes reflect the Curro’s commitment to identifying talent early, delivering expert coaching, and offering young sprinters the platform to excel.
Curro Hazeldean, now home to some of the country’s most promising athletes, continues to raise the bar in South African school athletics. With alumni like Siyabonga Mbelek, who holds world records at the U20 level, and rising star Mukona ‘Smiley’ Manavhela, the school is solidifying its reputation as a premier sprinting powerhouse.
With a future brighter than ever, Curro’s athletes are setting the pace for generations to come.
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