Once hailed as Langa’s ultimate running talent, Makhosonke Fika, now trains youngsters with a mission to develop them into top runners like himself.
Under the tutelage of the late Dave Spence, Mr Fika rose
from the streets of Langa and pounded the roads of cities like of Boston, Paris and Fukuoka, Japan, in pursuit of marathon victory and glory.
With a glittering running career behind him, he now focuses on “building for the future”. As the head coach of Retail Capital Langa Athletics Club, Mr Fika is enthused by the revival of the sport he dearly loves.
“We are working hard in growing our club and developing more juniors,” he said.
This week one of his promising youngsters, Busisani Metu, 16, will represent Western Province at a national championships in Port Elizabeth.
He will compete in the 6km race of the juniors’ section.
Club chairman Aubrey Isaacs praised Mr Fika for his role in developing youngsters.
“Shonks really loves what he does and his enthusiasm rubs off on youngsters like Busisani,” he said.
He also thanked JAG Foundation for sponsoring Busisani with running shoes.
Retail Capital Langa AC has training for juniors from 5pm on Mondays and Wednesdays at Langa stadium. Seniors train at Rondebosch Common on Tuesdays, from 5pm. For more information call 076 612 8677.