Curro Hazeldean’s prodigious hurdler Matodzi Ndou broke the meeting record at Curro Podium Grand Finale on Saturday, 17 February 2024, at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria. He also broke the South African Youth record with his impressive time of 13.21 seconds in the 110m hurdles for boys.
The previous record holder for the meeting as well as the SA Youth record was Naheem Jack (Paarl Boys’ High). Jack’s meeting record stood at 13.37 seconds, while his national record stood at 13.25 seconds with which he won the SA Youth Championship last year.
Jack’s time of 13.72 seconds earlier this year was also the world’s best thus far for this age group. If Ndou could build on his performance during the Curro Podium Grand Finale he will be a serious contender for a medal at the World Youth Championship in Lima, Peru later this year.
Ndou didn’t manage to defend his title as champion in the 400m hurdles for boys u17 as he had to settle for a bronze in 52.03 seconds. His meeting record from last year (51.01) was also smashed by his Curro Hazeldean teammate Lesibe Dikgale (50.59).
Ndou started running in Grade 1, but didn’t take the sport seriously until Grade 4 when he realised that he was good at it and started training. His goal for this year is to dip under 50 seconds in the longer hurdles or even 49 seconds if everything goes to plan.
For the young hurdler, this victory is just the beginning of a journey filled with endless possibilities. It is a testament to his talent, commitment to excellence, and his unwavering passion for their sport. But perhaps most importantly, it is an inspiration to countless others who dare to dream and aspire to greatness.
Ndou is coached by Thabo Matebedi at Curro Hazeldean. Coach T, as he is affectionately known, is one of the top sprint coaches in the country.
