Zeekoevlei High School athletes made their supporters proud when they took part in the Western Cape Championships earlier this month.
Three athletes – Daniel Martin, Brian Manewyk and Gakeem Josephs – from the school took part in the competition which was held at the Dal Josaphat stadium in Paarl where athletes from Western Province, Boland, Cape Winelands, South Western District and Central Karoo vied for Western Cape colours.
“Daniel has displayed immense composure, discipline and determination throughout the athletics season,” said proud team manager, Chad Samuels.
At the B-section meeting Daniel, who was also elected as the school’s athletics team captain, managed wins in the triple jump, 800m and 1500m. He clinched the gold medal in a dramatic race which saw him leading the pack from the 200m mark.
Brian won a silver medal in the boys under-17 triple jump event. The lanky athlete was extremely chuffed, thanking the school’s principal and triple jump coach, William Robert Prinsloo for his guidance, support and motivation.
Athletics coach Francois Weber, was impressed with his latest “find” Gakeem Josephs, who managed a commendable seventh place in the boys’ under-14 800m race at the competition. Although Gakeem hails from a prominent sporting family in the community, it was the first time he competed in the athletics.
“Gakeem is an amazing athlete. He won all three his middle-distance events at the B-section competition. This young man has loads of talent and I have a feeling that what we’ve seen of him thus far, is only the tip of the iceberg,” Mr Weber noted.
Mr Prinsloo said he was immensely proud of the achievements of all the school’s athletes and dedicated staff.
“Despite the fact that our learners have to deal with Covid isolation as well as the economic challenges and social evils surrounding them, they performed exceptionally well and won the B-section meet (with) a whopping 588 points – beating closest rival, Grassdale High by 246 points.”
Both Daniel and Brian will participate in the national championships in Germiston which started yesterday, Tuesday March 15, and continue until Friday March 18.