Phantane and Hollywood partner to unearth young talent across KZN

Hollywood Athletics Club and Phantane Athletics Club have signed on the dotted line to cement a working relationship aimed at developing KwaZulu-Natal's next generation of top runners. As part of the deal, Phantane will act as a feeder club, supplying young talent scouted from across KZN to the Hollywood elite ranks, who will provide financial support. The initiative was officially announced yesterday (Monday 7 July) in a special press briefing held at the Phantane club house situated in Indwendwe, a township just outside of Durban. 

It's worth noting that the two clubs had a similar agreement in the past, which focused more on Elite athletes. The likes of Comrades Marathon gold medalist Mahlomola Sekhonyana and Sipho Mbanjwa are notable beneficiaries as they ended up switching alliance from Phantane to Hollywood AC. Speaking to #TheTopRunner, Phantane founder and Chairperson Mdu Khumalo says to see a big cooperate company like Hollywoodbets coming on board to assist in athletics development is a game changer for the sport. 

Phiwayinkosi Ntombela, Nobuhle Maphumulo and Masonele Nguqo have joined Hollywood AC as part of the initiative. Photo Credit: Hollywood AC.

"I'm so happy with what is happening today. It means a lot to me to see these athletes that are going to be assisted in order to have a better careers. It's also very rare to see companies supporting development in the rural areas," said an elated Khumalo.

To kick-start the development program it was announced at yesterday's launch which was attended by multiple Comrades Marathon winner Gerda Steyn, Hollywood Athletics Club President Morgan Shandu, that Hollywood AC have signed three youngsters namely Phiwayinkosi Ntombela, Masonele Nguqo and Nobuhle Maphumulo. These three were part of the Indwendwe based club, Thandolwethu Athletics and were due to join Phantane. 

"Now these athletes will be exposed to elite level running practices like proper training and recovery, while also being given the opportunity to attend races around the province. In some cases we can also take their parents to go and watch in order for them to be motivated. It helps if a parent is fully involved in a child's life as it makes things easier. The most important thing is to work towards our goal of finding more athletes especially in the township and rural areas to be taken and assisted as part of the initiative," Khumalo explained.

Hollywood AC Manager Brett Goodwin, Mdu Khumalo of Phantane and Gerda Steyn. Photo Credit: Hollywood AC.

"For this year, we are going to visit one district where we are going to invite schools to compete as part of the scouting process. The best athletes will be assisted to be better athletes. Next year, we are planning to visit all districts across the province to do scouting. I have to emphasis one thing that - even after we have identified the athletes, their coaches will continue to coach them. It means we are not going to take athletes from their coaches. Plus we are looking to provide stipends to coaches in order for them to be better in life, " he concluded. 

Witnessing upcoming athletes being supported makes Steyn happy. The 35-year-old is a firm believer in development as during her time with Phantane, she donated some funds for the benefit of the youth in the  club. 

"To see a big company committing to help upcoming athletes to shine in the future is good. In our country, there are so many talented athletes who end up not making it to the top level because of a lack of financial support. Now, young athletes can benefit from this initiative and change their lives. Nowadays, athletes can use sport to have a good life. Overall, this excites me so much."