Dreyer's Change A Life Academy stars set
for Drakensberg
Challenge
Underberg -
Martin Dreyer’s Change a Life Academy paddlers
will out in full force in the Drakensberg Challenge marathon in Underberg as
the “Dusi Duke” continues his programme to develop their skills as serious
river racers.
“Eight of the guys that formed part of my group that set out to get top
fifty positions in the Dusi will be there,” said Dreyer, who will also be
taking part in the popular two-day marathon in the Southern Drakensberg.
“In all there will be thirteen paddlers from the Lembethe club at Nagle
dam,” he added. “Sadly the two Computershare Change a Life guys that live in
Joburg will not be able to come down for the race, but all the others will
be there raring to go.”
Two of his charges
produced spectacular results in the Hansa Powerade Dusi by finishing inside
the top ten, with a total of seven finishing inside the top eighteen.
“There is so much energy and enthusiasm in the group at the moment, and
everyone involved wants to see them go on to make an impression on other
races as well.” Dreyer however added a cautionary note not to expect too
much from his charges. “Some of them also did the Stihl Non-Stop Dusi, so
they are as tired as Michael Mbanjwa who has been forced to rest.”
“Also a lot of my guys don’t know the river, so they will be looking to
follow the more experienced guys lines. Their running was their real
strength in the Dusi, and the Drak has no running at all, which will count
against them.”
Dreyer however added that his training group has enjoyed staggering support
from the spectators and the paddling community during the Dusi that he
expected this support to be evident in Underberg on the weekend.
“There is no pressure on my guys this weekend,” Dreyer added. “This race is
really awesome. They don’t call it “The most fun you can have canoeing” for
nothing. It sounds like the water is going to be perfect, which is ideal for
my guys setting out to learn the river.”
The entry from the Change a Life group includes Dusi icon Michael Mbanjwa’s
best friend Lucas Mthalane, who finished tenth in the Hansa Powerade Dusi.
Also on the entry list is Nkosi Cele, the brother of Olympic slalom canoeist
“Master” Cele, and schoolboy Kwanda Mhlope, who provided the Dusi’s biggest
surprise result by winning the junior boys title.
The Drakensberg Challenge takes place in
Underberg on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February. More information can be
found at
www.drak.co.za
ENDS
