Injured Nhlanhla & his brother Richard power off the start of Day 2
There was a dramatic change among the leading paddlers during the first hour of the second stage of the Unlimited Dusi. Defending champions Andrew Birkett and Jason Graham were desperately defending their hard won position at the front of the field. The Change a life dream team of Thulani Mbanjwa and Sibonelo Zondi had slipped back during the day's proceedings, from a rookie swim at Gauging weir and having to stop and empty their boat 3 times due to faulty pumps. Change a Life Kwanda and Lance caught took advantage of their misfortune, catching them up at the Dam Bridge and then pipping on the finish line line, to place an incredible 3rd overall.
Change a Life passing under Marianney-Foley Bridge
Injury, stitches and hospitalisation were just some of the challenges the Change a life team had to face today. Thomas Ngidi who was in the 12th position took a tumble early in the race on a rocky downhill area injuring his leg and arm but managed to persever to finish 17th.
Thomas & John paddling hard
Shaun Maphanga , paddling with Mkhonzeni Gumede got injured 5min into the race they swam at Earnie Pierce Weir. A Canoe freakishly impacted between Shaun's legs…. long story short – it ruptured his urethra and he was hospitalised overnight. Nhlanhla, one of the Cele brothers who was 9th also severly damaged his ankle, so much so, he couldn't walk. His brother, Richard Cele soldiered on, carrying their Canoe on his own, whilst Nhlanhla bravely hoped along on one leg.
‘Hero' Richard soldiering on his own with their double canoe, whilst Nhlanhla hops along on one leg
In spite of the injuries, Martin convinced the Cele brothers and Thomas to race – saying "plan A was to finish top 10, plan B was to finish top 20 and plan C was to FINISH. We now on plan C. Nhlanhla, this is like Life, its not easy, do what you need to do today to finish, Rich carry the boat, and Nhlanhla, use your paddle as a crutch….".
They lost many positions (94th) but the goal was to complete that leg of the race – mission accomplished. Lucas and Mmeli took control of the flooding river, paddling superbly to maintain their top 10 position [I am so happy for Mmeli to get through the Day unscathed, because last year he was absolutely devastated when his hopes of winning the R9000 first Junior prize were sadly washed downstream when he wrapped his canoe and had to catch a ride to the finish].
Skhumbuso and Nkosi paddled flawlessly to climb 6 positions from 24th to 18th overall. With their ‘tails up', they will go into Day 3 with all guns blazing.
Stan Ursula and Jonathan continue to support and cheer the guys on.
Mart, Stan, Ursula & Jonathan watch on
Change a life still has 5 boats in the Top 20 and 3 in the Top 10 [CAL is currently 3rd, 4th, 9th, 17th,& 18th overall]. Tomorrow promises to be another exciting day as there is the infamous Everest of Dusi Portages – Burma Hill.
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