Young Dusi canoeists shine with sponsorship from Plastrading
BACKING from machine supplier Plastic & Chemical Trading (P&CT) has helped propel two emerging canoeists to an impressive second-place finish at this year’s Dusi Canoe Marathon in KwaZulu-Natal.
Msawenkosi Mtolo, from the Valley of a Thousand Hills, and Sbonelo Khwela from Shongweni, formed one of the standout partnerships in the race. Their success follows a full sponsorship from P&CT, initiated in 2024 after the company identified Mtolo as a rising talent with the potential to win the prestigious event if given the opportunity to train full time. When Mtolo teamed up with Khwela, the sponsorship was extended to support both athletes throughout the year, enabling them to prepare at a high-performance level. Their efforts paid off with a remarkable second-place finish.
P&CT also backed a second crew, Siseko Ntondini and Benjamin Mntonintshi of the Soweto Canoe and Recreation Club (SCARC), who secured fifth place overall. SCARC is affiliated with Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, making the pair clubmates of P&CT’s Ben Cockram. In their case, the sponsorship included equipment and assistance to compete, building on their previous participation and promise in the race.
The Dusi is a three-day canoe race covering 120km, starting near Maritzburg and ending at Blue Lagoon in Durban. The race follows the course of the Dusi and Umgeni rivers requiring the crews to portage their craft over steep hills as a short cut on the winding river. The race is characterised by continuous rapids and searing heat challenging the competitors.
According to Ben Cockram, himself an accomplished canoeist, sponsoring the young canoeists was a worthwhile venture, and he is pleased they took full advantage of the opportunity. Cockram competed in this year’s race as well, finishing 62nd overall and first in his age category.
