The Curro Hazeldean boys Under-17 relay team of Matodzi Ndou, Inam Dlunge, Adam Motloung and Zattu Hlongwane The Curro Hazeldean boys Under-17 relay team of Matodzi Ndou, Inam Dlunge, Adam Motloung and Zattu Hlongwane set a new world record in the 4x100m over the weekend. Picture: Curro Hazeldean/Facebook
Curro Hazeldean is becoming a conveyor belt of world class sprinting talent, with their latest exploits over the weekend a prime example.
The boys Under-17 4x100 metre relay team of Matodzi Ndou, Inam Dlunge, Adam Motloung and Zattu Hlongwane coached by Thabo Matebedi, won their North-West University top-30 meeting in incredible fashion in Potchefstroom on Saturday.
Their time of 39.92 seconds set a new Under-18 world record, previously held by the USA at a mark of 39.95.
Matebedi sung the praises of his team after their remarkable run.
"It is unheard of that a school relay team can hold a World best relay time,” said Matebedi.
The relay team are following in the footsteps of 18-year-old Paris Olympics star Bayanda Walaza who set the track on fire earlier this year.
Walaza was part of the men’s 4x100m relay team alongside Akani Simbine, Shaun Maswanganyi and Bradley Nkoana.
It was a stunning race, in which Team SA finished second behind Canada while the much-fancied USA outfit fumbled a changeover before being disqualified.
Matebedi spoke about the achievement of Walaza at the time.
“He’s a brave young man,” said Matebedi.
“He has a lot of potential. He can go far. We haven’t seen the best of the young man. There’s still a lot he needs to improve on. I believe he will dominate, and be one of the best athletes in the world.”
Walaza would go on to win a sprint double gold at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships less than a month after the Olympics. Walaza first stormed to gold in the 100m before adding the 200m crown to his growing list of achievements.