UFH ATHLETICS

Alice, Eastern Cape – The Forte sports magazine is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of three of its top athletes, Liyema Qabavane, Mbali Tube, and Thabang Mahlala, who have been selected to represent the Eastern Cape Province at the prestigious Athletics South Africa (ASA) Cross Country Championships. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the hard work, dedication, and talent of these athletes as they prepare to compete at the national level.

The ASA Cross Country Championships, one of the most anticipated events on the South African athletics calendar, will see elite runners from across the country come together to compete for top honors. Liyema Qabavane, Mbali Tube, and Thabang Mahlala earned their spots on the provincial team through a series of impressive performances in regional cross-country meets, where they consistently placed among the best.

“We are extremely proud of these three athletes,” said UFH Athletics Coach, Mandla Ndlovu. “Their selection is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and exceptional abilities on the track. They have worked tirelessly to reach this point, and we have no doubt that they will represent both the university and the province with pride.”

Liyema Qabavane, a rising star in middle-distance running, has been a consistent performer for the university, regularly finishing at the top of her races. Meanwhile, Mbali Tube’s stamina and speed over long distances have earned her recognition as one of the top female runners in the province. Thabang Mahlala, known for his powerful running style and tactical approach, rounds out the trio, bringing strength and versatility to the team.

As they prepare for the national championships, the three athletes are training intensively under the guidance of Coach Ndlovu. The ASA Cross Country Championships will present a new level of competition, but the athletes remain confident and focused.

“I’m honored to have been selected,” said Liyema Qabavane. “This is an incredible opportunity to showcase our abilities and compete against the best in the country. We are all working hard to ensure we represent the province well.”

The University of Fort Hare community has rallied behind the athletes, with students, staff, and fellow athletes offering their congratulations and support as they embark on this exciting journey. The championships, set to take place in the coming weeks, will be a major test of endurance and skill, but the Baby Wolves runners are ready to rise to the challenge.

The UFH Athletics team continues to grow in prominence on the national stage, and the selection of Qabavane, Tube, and Mahlala for the provincial squad further solidifies the university's reputation for developing top-tier talent in sports.

For more updates on the athletes’ journey and the results of the ASA Cross Country Championships, follow the official University of Fort Hare athletics channels.