Curro learners sprint ahead at ASA national championships
31 March 2025The ASA U16, U18, U20, and U23 Track and Field Championships at Green Point Athletics Stadium brought together some of South Africa’s top school athletes from 27 to 29 March. This year, 56 Curro learners qualified to compete – a new record for the group – and they delivered a remarkable performance across track and field events.
Record-breaking performances from Curro learners
The championships saw learners from Curro Hazeldean, Durbanville, Hillcrest, Aurora, Heuwelkruin, Nelspruit, and Meridian Pinehurst push themselves against the country’s best. Between them, they secured eight gold, seven silver, and four bronze medals.
Mukona Manavhela of Curro Hazeldean won gold in the U18 100m (10.44) and 200m (20.89), while Tiisetso Malungane set a new record in the U16 1500m (3:53) and also won the 800m (1:52.85). Realebogo Smith added to the tally with gold in the U20 5000m (14:24.45), and Paballo Radebe crossed the line first in the U23 800m (2:10.45). In the U16 boys’ 300m hurdles, Matimba Baloyi also took gold (38.47).
Athletes from Curro Aurora and Meridian Pinehurst added their own strong results, with Ehirim Chibunna securing silver in the U16 100m (11.08) and Michaela Spocter finishing second in the U18 high jump (1.76m).
Coaching, access, and mass participation
According to Manus Hendriks, Curro’s Sports Project Manager for Athletics, the steady rise in national participation is the result of expanding access to training and giving more learners meaningful chances to compete.
‘Currently, 25 schools are part of our programme, which has incorporated the concept of mass participation and allowed for every child to feel that they matter at every level,’ said Manus. ‘Our goal is to create an environment where young athletes can thrive, pushing their limits and competing at the highest level.’
Photo of Tiisetso
Photo Credit: @gerrit_photography
Looking ahead
With alumni like Olympic silver medallist Bayanda Walaza and standout athletes like Mukona and Tiisetso making headlines, Curro Hazeldean continues to build on its reputation as a school producing elite sprinters and middle-distance runners.
As more Curro schools adopt structured coaching and grow their sporting footprint, the results at national events like this reflect the momentum already underway. Young athletes are being seen, supported, and celebrated. And they’re running with it.