Curro Hazeldean’s Mukona Manavhela strikes gold at African U18 & U20 Championships
02 September 2025Curro Hazeldean’s Grade 10 learner Mukona Manavhela has made his mark on the continental stage by winning three gold medals at the CAA African U18 & U20 Championships in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He topped the podium in the 100 metres, 200 metres, and the medley relay.
A golden moment
Mukona earned the U18 Boys 100m title in a photo finish against teammate Jaydon Fourie, clocking 10.62 seconds. Mukona reflected: ‘It felt amazing but I was also relieved because I had finished the most important goal I had for 2025 – getting three medals at the African Champs.’
Overcoming challenges on the track
Conditions in Nigeria tested him throughout the event. ‘All the races were hard because of the poor conditions. I had to make sure that mentally I was ready for each round because it was a whole new environment. Each race had a toll on me and eventually in the relay I had a minor injury on my tendon. I still had to run the 200 m final after that, so that final was the hardest race I’ve run so far this season because I had to push past my physical and emotional boundaries,’ he explained.
Balancing training and academics
Mukona described how discipline and time management help him balance schoolwork and athletics: ‘I have about two to three hard training sessions which also have a toll on me energy-wise after the sessions. So it’s a matter of keeping my discipline and remembering that my future isn’t only in athletics. God has blessed me with many other spheres to excel in. Time management is very important and it is one thing I take very seriously.’
Inspired by role models
When asked about who inspires him, Mukona pointed to international sprinter Noah Lyles. ‘I really look up to Noah Lyles. I feel like he is definitely what this sport needs but he is just missing one thing – the faith factor. He has the platform and he has the confidence, all that is missing is using that platform to glorify God’s name. I love the way he carries himself... he is sure of himself and that is what I always aim to feel like when I’m running or about to run.’
Leaving his own mark
Mukona is often compared to Bayanda Walaza, another Curro athletics standout. His response is clear: ‘I feel blessed but I am not Bayanda. I am Mukona. I am here to leave my own mark using the pathway that God has for me. Bayanda’s journey does inspire me, it shows me what God is capable of doing. So I just need to stay patient, keep my faith, and I will reap my rewards granted by Him.’
Looking ahead
With three African titles behind him, Mukona already has his eyes on his next target. ‘My next big goal is to triple next year at World Juniors. That is going to determine a lot for my athletics career, so I just need to continue training hard and continue keeping God at the centre.’