‘A Dream Come True’: Mpumalanga Teen Earns Team SA Call-Up — But Funding Hurdle Looms
Nkangala Athletics Academy middle-distance runner Gugulethu Thanjwekwavo has earned national colours for the 2026 COSSASA Games in Zimbabwe, but a funding hurdle now threatens to overshadow the biggest opportunity of his young career.
For 17-year-old Thanjekwayo, years of hard work on the track have finally paid off after the Nkangala Athletics Academy (NAA) athlete earned selection to represent South Africa the COSSASA Games.
The talented middle-distance runner will compete in the 3 000m event at the regional championships, scheduled to take place from 31 August to 3 September.
Thanjekwayo’s selection follows an impressive season that has established him as one of Mpumalanga’s most promising young athletes. Earlier this year, he claimed silver in the boys’ 3 000m race at the South African Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria, a performance that helped secure his place in Team South Africa.
Speaking to SizaNazo365, the Grade 11 learner at Kwazamokuhle Secondary School described the call-up as a moment he has dreamed about for years.
“It has always been my dream to represent South Africa one day, so this opportunity is a dream come true for me,” said Thanjekwayo.
“I am also excited because I will be representing South Africa in another country for the first time.”
Stellar Season Rewarded
The Hendrina-born athlete has enjoyed a remarkable year on both the track and cross-country circuit. He is the reigning Mpumalanga Under-17 champion in the 1 500m, 3 000m and 6km cross-country events, achievements that have highlighted his versatility and consistency.
A total of 120 athletes from across South Africa have been selected for the national team, which will compete against fellow Southern African nations in a variety of sporting codes at the COSSASA Games.
Balancing School and Training
With the competition fast approaching, Thanjekwayo says his preparations are progressing well despite the challenge of balancing academics and athletics.
“I have a very tight daily schedule. When I come back from school, I go to training. When I get back, I do schoolwork, and after that I rest for the following day,” he explained.
“This routine forms part of my preparations for the COSSASA event. Up to this point, I am happy with how preparations are going in terms of training.”
Mpumalanga Teen Gugulethu Thanjekwayo Earns Team SA Call-Up — But Funding Hurdle Looms (Graphic: SizaNazo365 | Image: Nkangala Athletics Academy)
Funding Challenge Emerges
While his excitement continues to grow, Thanjekwayo admits a financial hurdle has become a source of concern.
According to the young athlete, he was informed that he needs to raise R10,000 to cover costs associated with representing South Africa at the event.
“The money issue is the only thing that has disturbed me a bit while preparing for this event,” he said.
“I heard that I need to have R10,000 to cover the costs, which I do not have at the moment. It is the only thing that I am worried about right now. I hope we will get funding soon.”
His coach and Nkangala Athletics Academy chairperson, Emmanuel Mabaso, confirmed the funding challenge but assured that the academy will ensure the athlete can attend the competition if necessary.
“We will assist with payment. However, it would benefit the club if we get someone to assist. We will really appreciate that,” Mabaso said.
The issue comes amid wider concerns around funding for the national schools team. Earlier this week, News24 reported that SA Schools Athletics (SASA) is attempting to raise R1 million to send the country’s 120 selected athletes to the COSSASA Games after the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture allegedly declined a funding request.
Despite the uncertainty, Thanjekwayo remains focused on the opportunity ahead as he prepares to wear South African colours for the first time in his career.
Individuals or organisations interested in assisting can contact Nkangala Athletics Academy on 084 257 6635 for more information.