New Air Force recruits fly high at sports day showdown
HOEDSPRUIT – The Air Force Gymnasium hosted its highly anticipated Basic Military Training Sports Day at the Drakensig Sports Field, celebrating physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork among the recruits.
The event was officially opened by Chap Christal Human, who delivered a scripture reading and a powerful motivational message to set the tone for the day.
Major Ashley Braaf, as the basic military training coordinator, welcomed both trainees and staff, encouraging full participation and reminding everyone to enjoy the event.
'This day is about more than a competition, it's about unity, spirit, and celebrating our collective strength,' he said.
Lieutenant Najwa Cogills, the event's sports officer, laid out an exciting line-up, including a five-kilometre run, soccer matches, rugby, netball, volleyball, and a tug of war.
The day was further energised by performances from a cheerleading team, whose spirited dance routines added a festive atmosphere.
Adding even more excitement to the day, Major Hilton Cogills, sports officer at Air Force Base Hoedspruit, took on the role of event commentator, keeping the crowd entertained and engaged with his energetic commentary and lively humour throughout the day.
Event Results:
5km run – men
First: AMN Kamogelo Selepe, Flight 2 – Sqn 1
Second: AMN Nkhumeleni Mulalo Mathanya, Flight 2 – Sqn 1
Third: AMN Lethabo Robert Mtimkulu, Flight 3 – Sqn 1
5km run – women
First: AMN Dimakatso Modiba, Flight 1 – Sqn 3
Second: AMN Damaris Jeckina Masibe, Flight 2 – Sqn 3
Third: AMN Langanani Ndou, Flight 3 – Sqn 3
Team event winners
Soccer team: 1 Squadron
7-side touch rugby: 1 Squadron
Netball: 2 Squadron, Flights 3 and 4
Volleyball: 2 Squadron
'The day concluded with cheers, high energy, and a renewed sense of unity among participants, a reflection of the broader mission of military training, to build strong, disciplined individuals ready to face the challenges ahead,' said Cpl Thabang Mashile of Hoedspruit Air Force Base.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Wanderers runner completes emotional 10th Comrades in memory of his father
When Conrad Walters, of Wanderers Club, crossed the Comrades Marathon finish line on June 8, it was not just the end of a race; it was the closing of a deeply personal chapter. This was his 10th Comrades, a milestone he had worked towards for years, but one he almost missed entirely. Read more: Watch: Comrades Marathon hero helps collapsed runner finish race Earlier this year, Walters lost both his father and uncle within days of each other. The grief was heavy. Training fell away. Motivation faded. But one thing stayed with him. He had to run this one for his dad. 'I knew I wasn't in my best shape. I had not trained the way I usually do, but I could not sit this one out,' he said. It was his slowest run to date and, without question, his hardest. He battled stomach issues, muscle cramps, and moments of doubt, but he kept going. 'This was the run I am most proud of,' Walters said. 'It was not about speed; it was about heart.' Having first run Comrades in 2013, he had intended to reach his 10th race in 2023. A severe asthma attack put that on hold, but he returned in 2025, with more grit than preparation, finishing with more emotion than ever before. For Walters, Comrades is not only about the elite runners at the front. It lives in the determination of everyday South Africans who strive to balance work, family, and daily life. It is in the kindness of strangers offering water, food, and cheers along the route, and it is in the unwavering support of those waiting at the finish line.'Sometimes,' he said, 'just getting to the start is the bravest thing you can do.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Trolley madness: Noordskool learners race in style
POLOKWANE – Laerskool Pietersburg Noord (Noordskool) on Friday hosted a vibrant annual trolley race, with all grades joining in themed teams for laps of fun and school spirit. Principal Greg Schoeman was the programme director who kept record of time in each round, and the race started with the Gr 7 learners so that they could be able to assist the younger learners. Learners were dressed in fun and funky colourful costumes according to their respective themes including clowns, minions, beach party, Checkers Sixty60 and other funky themes. In between the races, the Gr 7 prefects entertained the crowd of supporters, parents and learners, with their dance routines, as they cheered for their favourite teams. Gr 1 to Gr 7 learners were armed with shopping trolleys, ready to take on the obstacles that were set up with barriers on the school grounds, while singing to music in the background. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
New Air Force recruits fly high at sports day showdown
HOEDSPRUIT – The Air Force Gymnasium hosted its highly anticipated Basic Military Training Sports Day at the Drakensig Sports Field, celebrating physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork among the recruits. The event was officially opened by Chap Christal Human, who delivered a scripture reading and a powerful motivational message to set the tone for the day. Major Ashley Braaf, as the basic military training coordinator, welcomed both trainees and staff, encouraging full participation and reminding everyone to enjoy the event. 'This day is about more than a competition, it's about unity, spirit, and celebrating our collective strength,' he said. Lieutenant Najwa Cogills, the event's sports officer, laid out an exciting line-up, including a five-kilometre run, soccer matches, rugby, netball, volleyball, and a tug of war. The day was further energised by performances from a cheerleading team, whose spirited dance routines added a festive atmosphere. Adding even more excitement to the day, Major Hilton Cogills, sports officer at Air Force Base Hoedspruit, took on the role of event commentator, keeping the crowd entertained and engaged with his energetic commentary and lively humour throughout the day. Event Results: 5km run – men First: AMN Kamogelo Selepe, Flight 2 – Sqn 1 Second: AMN Nkhumeleni Mulalo Mathanya, Flight 2 – Sqn 1 Third: AMN Lethabo Robert Mtimkulu, Flight 3 – Sqn 1 5km run – women First: AMN Dimakatso Modiba, Flight 1 – Sqn 3 Second: AMN Damaris Jeckina Masibe, Flight 2 – Sqn 3 Third: AMN Langanani Ndou, Flight 3 – Sqn 3 Team event winners Soccer team: 1 Squadron 7-side touch rugby: 1 Squadron Netball: 2 Squadron, Flights 3 and 4 Volleyball: 2 Squadron 'The day concluded with cheers, high energy, and a renewed sense of unity among participants, a reflection of the broader mission of military training, to build strong, disciplined individuals ready to face the challenges ahead,' said Cpl Thabang Mashile of Hoedspruit Air Force Base. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
