'It has boosted my confidence' – Bohang Qhoaisa on his victory at the ASA mile championships

By storming to victory in the U11 to U13 boys' road mile at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) half-marathon, 5km and mile championships in Phalaborwa, on July 26, middle distance prospect Bohang Qhoaisa took a confident step toward fulfilling a promise he made to his father – to one day represent South Africa on the world stage. The Central Gauteng athlete clocked 4:45.6 for victory, beating his provincial teammates Matthew Pietroiusti and Philani Luthuli – the same athletes he defeated at the CGA mile champs in June. Pietroiusti claimed the runner-up spot in 5:00.5 for his first-ever national medal, while Luthuli (son of former national champion Lebogang Phalula-Luthuli) completed the podium in 5:05.3 for the bronze medal.

"This is my biggest achievement since I started running. It was a fun but difficult race, especially in the first 400m. I'm happy I won. It went according to plan. I can see the progress and that my coach's programme is working," he said.

Bohang Qhoaisa competes in the 4km race at fourth CGA cross-country league meeting. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

Inspired by his father, veteran runner Sechaba Qhoaisa, the youngster - trained by Lefu Lephoto at Mamepe Striders in Duduza - believes his first national title marks the beginning of a journey that could lead him to the global arena. 

"I started running when I was five. My father told me that he's never been to the world championships. I promised him that I will go on his behalf. That's why I love running. Every time I run, whether at training or in competitions, I think about him and the promise I made. The journey ahead is still long. I have lots of work to do to be the athlete I want to be. But it has definitely boosted my confidence," Qhoaisa told the #TheTopRunner.

He won his first national title in the U11 to U13 road mile in Phalaborwa. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

Lephoto described the Balfour Primary alumnus - now at Mountainview High School in Heidelberg – as a disciplined athlete. "Bohang is a very good athlete. He's still young. He's a good listener. I spoke with him before his race in Phalaborwa. He executed our strategy to perfection. We can only continue to build from here."

After placing eighth in the U13 boys' 800m (2:13.88) at last December's ASA sub-youth track and field championships, the 13-year old Tsakane resident said his gold in Phalaborwa was a timely boost as he works to lower his 2:10 800m and 4:35 1 500m bests.

"I learnt a valuable lesson in Bloemfontein. I was disappointed. But after the win in the mile, I now know how to handle victory and disappointments. I would be happy if I can improve my 1 500 time to sub-4:30 and to run 2:00 flat in the 800m. It's going to be difficult but we are going to push," he said.