Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TRIATHLON Zimbabwe national coach Pamela Fulton is confident local juniors will rise to the occasion when they compete at the Africa Triathlon Junior Cup Troutbeck on Saturday.
The junior event is part of the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup and Multi-sport Festival.
Five Zimbabwean juniors – Callum Smith, Zander Botha, Matthew Hildebrand, Zizael Manyati and Taanashe Makosa are part of the field in the junior men’s category.
They will be up against participants from South Africa and Mauritius.
“Having SA athletes and a Mauritian junior competing makes it a lot more exciting for our athletes and the spectators.
“I am sure Zander will be focusing on winning the overall junior event.
“Callum has been recovering from his hip injury and will be hoping to run pain free and be able to push the pace,” said Fulton.
Botha is hoping for a win.
“I would like to get on the podium, but my goal is to win tomorrow’s race. In terms of time, this course is much slower than other courses. So, I am going for a sub one hour and 10 minutes. That is currently the goal.
“I want to get as close to one hour and seven minutes as I possibly can,” said Botha.
Manyati, who is competing at Troutbeck for the first time said: “It’s a bit intimidating and nerve-wracking, but I feel like I will pull through the challenge and will perform.”
