Sicelo Pongoma, the ideal man to lead and promote Border Athletics

Quiet determination is perhaps the best quality that describes Sicelo Pongoma, president of Border Athletics.

An unassuming man, Pongoma is not one to seek the limelight, but found himself thrust into the hot seat of the province’s running administration earlier in 2023, having previously acted in the role.

Born in Stutterheim, Pongoma, who is married with two children, describes himself as a “community developer and a water scientist who is also a sports fanatic” with a special love for rugby and athletics.

“My family is my sanctuary,” Pongoma says.

Before turning his focus to athletics, Pongoma, who says his life motto is “Do what you have to do so that you can do what you want to do” (Denzel Washington), was also a successful provincial rugby player.

“Something some people don’t know about me is that I came through the Border Bulldogs Development programme from U13 to U21 playing flyhalf and fullback.

“During that period I represented the province at two U18 Craven Weeks.

“I was awarded a scholarship to complete a national diploma: analytical chemistry at the then Border Technikon.

“I mentor and coach youngsters and adults. My hobbies are reading and collecting knives.”

A talented young sprinter, having competed at provincial level, Pongoma has always sought ways to use his passion for sport to give back to his community.

“I was a sprinter at school until I reached the Eastern Cape provincial championships for 400m in grade 12. I started road running in 2003 in corporate races in Johannesburg.

“I had to come back to the Eastern Cape in 2014 for family reasons. With childhood friends we formed the Stutterheim AC in 2016 and four years later with three other teammates we ran our first of four Comrades Marathons.

“Sports administration has always been a passion because sports clubs create a second home for those with struggles in their lives.

“Sport allows people to bring out their true inner self.”

Historically, administering Border Athletics has proven to be a huge challenge. Limited funds and resources necessitate those who accept the call to serve, to be infused with oodles of passion, innate patience, unwavering focus and commitment to stay the course.

Achieving the necessary positive changes and ultimately transforming running in this province requires a marathon approach.

Pongoma is up for this challenge and, in his first year at the helm, speaks of moments that fill him with pride and gratitude.

With the AGM for Border Athletics taking place on Saturday, Pongoma reflects that the highlight in 2023 was “the big provincial teams we sent to national championships and their pride in wearing the provincial colours.

“Also, the moments of happiness when strangers travel together, chasing a common cause and goal.”

Pongoma also enthused about “the improved collaboration and healthy competition between clubs and athletes across clubs”.

Pongoma says that he hopes Border Athletics will focus on “empowering athletes, coaches and officials, leading to the appreciation of athletics as a team sport for all those involved in it, and also as a conduit for professional growth”.

“We are working towards an improved running experience for athletes, especially those from outside the Border region, but also to assist clubs in creating an enabling environment for their athletes to achieve their respective goals.”

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