Drama and records on second day of CGA track and field champs as Mulaudzi announces return from injury with a gold medal

The second day of the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Track and Field Championships delivered drama, records and a thrilling comeback story as Kabelo Mulaudzi stormed to victory in the senior men's 5 000m after a lengthy injury lay-off. In a race packed with tactics and late fireworks, Mulaudzi showed both patience and grit before producing a devastating final sprint to edge rising star Zenzile Pheko by the narrowest of margins at the University of Johannesburg Athletics Stadium.

The race burst to life from the start thanks to pacemaker Maxime Chaumeton, who injected a blistering tempo that immediately split the field into two groups. Six athletes, led by Mulaudzi, refused to let the pace get away from them and formed a tight pack behind Chaumeton as the kilometres ticked by. For nine of the twelve laps the pacemaker stretched the field, forcing the contenders to decide whether to commit early or risk losing contact. When Chaumeton stepped off the track, the race shifted into championship mode.

Mr Podium back on top of the podium. Photo Credit: Supplied.

Mulaudzi, Pheko, SA 4km Cross Country champion Sibusiso Msibi and SA 10km Champion Chris Mhlanga quickly lifted the pace, turning the contest into a brutal four-man battle for gold. With the bell ringing and the crowd roaring, the quartet wound up the speed before Mulaudzi unleashed his finishing kick down the home straight.

In a lung-busting sprint to the line, Mulaudzi leaned at the tape to reclaim top honours, clocking 14:07.39. Pheko settled for silver in 14:08.42, while Msibi completed the podium in 14:35.52. The victory marked an emphatic return for Mulaudzi and set the tone for an electrifying opening day of competition.

The field events also produced headline moments, most notably from teenage sensation Oluchi Ndubueze. The 17-year-old jumper set the championships alight in the U18 women’s long jump, soaring to a record-breaking 6.49m which was further than both the U20 and Senior Women’s championships jumped to win those titles. In doing so, Ndubueze erased the long-standing championship mark of 6.37 m previously held by Delia Visser.

Ndubueze in full flight in the girls U18 long jump. Photo Credit: CGA Media.

There was more excitement in the sandpit as Karabo Sathekge of the University of Johannesburg entertained the crowd with a superb 7.96 m leap to secure the senior men’s long jump title by almost a metre.

Earlier, Nicola Smith claimed the U18 women’s 3 000 m crown in 09:56.31, while the boys’ race produced one of the closest finishes of the session. The Boxer Athletic Club’s Tyran Brooks edged Höerskool Kempton Park’s Michael Bekker in a dramatic dash to the line, winning in 8:43.31 with Bekker just behind in 8:43.67.

Brooks and Bekker battling it out in the 3000m. Photo Credit: CGA Media.

In the throwing circle, Keanu Nel delivered a strong performance to take the U20 men’s shot put title with a best effort of 16.04m, which secured his qualification for the national U20 championships taking place in Potchefstroom at the end of March.

The evening programme concluded with the short sprints, where Kayla la Grange powered past her University of Johannesburg teammate Precious Molepo to claim the women’s 200 m title in 23.64. In the men’s race, Udeme Okon surged to victory in 20.65 to close out a memorable first day.

2024 World Junior 400m champion Udeme Okon on the way to winning the 200m title. Photo Credit: UJ Sport.

With records already broken and finishes decided by fractions of a second, the stage is set for more fireworks as the championships conclude on 14 March.