Malesela Senona (TuksAthletics) certainly mastered the art of making the concept “take two” become a reality.
Whether he sprints on the track or studying he always seems to be able to double up on his success. Senona a former learner at TuksSport High School received two distinctions (Mathematics and Life Orientation) in his matric exams; at the end of last year’s Region Five Games in Luanda he won gold in the 100 metres (10.48s) and 200 metres (21.33s); he managed to do the same in the under-18 category of the 2016 SA Junior and Youth Championships.
Senona is the latest of the Tuks young sprint aces who is expected to have an impact on the senior athletics scene. His training partners Gift Leotlela and Clarence Munyai made waves last year by qualifying for the Olympic Games in Rio even though they are junior athletes.
Senona will compete as a junior athlete in the next two years. It is no surprise that he qualified for the 100m or 200m final at the 2017 South African Senior Championships in Potchefstroom last year when he finished fifth in the 200 metres final in Stellenbosch. His best time for the longer sprint is 20.74s. In the 100 metres he boasts a best time of 10.34s.
When it comes to his goals for the season Senona prefers to keep things simple: “I am not going to commit to any specific times but I can say that I know I am capable of running faster times.”
Senona said he prefers running the 200 metres because it is slightly more tactical. According to him there is no margin of error over 100 metres which makes it a tough challenge.
“I would love to compete in at least one 400 metres race this season but I still need to talk to ‘Coach Hennie Kriel’ about it.” Kriel said it will be important to guide Senona carefully through the season making sure that he never loses sight of his goal. “Yes he will be competing against senior athletes but everything we do from now on will be to ensure that he has a realistic chance to win a medal at next year’s Junior World Championships.”
In what should be no surprise Senona considers the Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt to be a role model.
“What I love about Usain is the way he is able to overcome setbacks to perform at his best when it really matters. It is something I am striving towards.”
His girlfriend, Mamsy Masuku, who with her four distinctions is the TuksSport High School’s top matric learner also plays an important role in Senona’s success.
“Mamsy along with ‘Coach Hennie’ helped me to find a balance in life. She is the master in knowing when it is time to study and when to train hard.”
Masuku is herself a keen sprinter who is hoping to break through the 12 seconds barrier in the 100 metres this season.
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