NKANGALA – The founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nkangala Athletics Academy (NAA), Emmanuel Mabaso, passionately lamented the absence of financial assistance despite the commendable work his organization is engaged in to nurture young talent.
Mabaso, also known as Shaper, was honored with the title of Sport Administrator of the year at the Mpumalanga Sport Awards held on Saturday evening, September 14, in the provincial capital, Mbombela.
He expressed his frustration regarding the perpetual necessity to solicit donations on an annual basis, raising doubts about the involvement of sports administrators in supporting the development teams.
“It is an honour to be recognised in such prestigious event by the MEC, unfortunately our great achievement is unable to open doors for financial support, from both department and private sectors,” he said.
“It saddens me to go seek donations every year while we have sport administrators employed to assist development teams.”
The accolade was bestowed upon NAA following a stellar performance at the South African Cross Country championships in Vaal triangle on September 07, 2024.
The team, comprised of 49 athletes representing Athletic Mpumalanga, clinched the Silver individual medal and the Gold team medal.
Pule Mabaso secured the second position in the 2km Youth category, while Keneliwe Sesing led the 35+ women’s team to a gold medal, finishing overall in the 6th position.
Mbekezeli Magagula achieved the 5th position in the 2km boys under 10, Scelo Mncwango secured the 8th position in the under 23 men’s 4km race, and Gugulethu Thanjekwayo claimed the 11th position in the 4km boys under 15 category.
Khethiwe Mlangeni achieved a notable position in the 4km girls under 15, with the top 20 being closed by Motlatsi Sesing in the 4km boys 14 years category.
Nkosinathi Skosana, Emmanuel Mabaso, Motlatsi Sesing Snr, and Thabiso Mabaso finished within the top 30.
Mabaso established NAA in 2010 in Mhluzi and subsequently expanded its reach to Emalahleni, Hendrina, Phola, Carolina, and Kwa-Mhlanga.
Despite facing financial challenges and lacking sponsors, he consistently supports an average of 50 athletes annually to represent Mpumalanga province in the South African Cross Country championships.
He notably mentored middle-distance runners Thulisile and Thobile Amon from Middleburg, guiding them to prominence.
The twins, who tragically lost their parents at the age of 8, secured a scholarship to study in New York in 2019.
In addition to these achievements, Mabaso steered NAA towards winning the 2023 Mpumalanga Team of the Year award. Nkangala Athletic Academy nurtures 130 athletes primarily composed of sub-youth and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The organization’s responsibilities encompass training, fundraising to provide athletes with appropriate running attire, covering travel and race entry expenses throughout the year, and overseeing the academy’s administration.
This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but also a testament to the dedication of our athletes and coaches,” Mabaso said. “However, we need support to continue producing champions and uplifting our communities.”
