Potch Track Club: Late July Round-Up
- Karen Scheepers
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
15–29 July 2025
As July wraps up, Potch Track Club athletes brought their fiercest performances to local, national, and international competitions. From personal bests and podiums to titles and team victories, PTC’s presence was unmistakable on every stage, from Durban and Berlin to Phalaborwa and Nigeria. Let’s dive into the standout moments of the second half of July.
🥇 South African Champions Crowned in Phalaborwa
Divan de Vries – Junior Men’s Half Marathon Champion
At the ASA Road Running Championships, Divan claimed the Junior Men’s Half Marathon title with a PB of 1:11:53, holding his own against top senior athletes in the brutal Limpopo heat.
Alri Verster – Junior Women’s 5km Champion
Alri kept her form sharp, winning the Junior Women’s 5km in a PB of 17:48, her second standout run in July following her 10km win in Durban.
Andrea Steynberg – Junior Women’s Mile Champion
After a strong continental campaign, Andrea won the Junior Women’s Mile in 4:50.01, finishing 3rd overall in a mixed field of seniors, a massive statement performance.
Tatai Amogelang – Junior Men’s Mile Champion
Tatai claimed the men’s title in a PB of 4:12.9, proving he thrives under pressure.
Bertus van der Linde – Junior Mile Bronze
Bertus joined his training partner Tatai on the podium, placing 3rd in the Junior Mile with 4:16.2, a moment of pride for the PTC duo.
Xavier van der Leek & Ina du Plessis – PB Power
Xavier ran a PB of 15:07, finishing 7th in the Junior 5km.
Ina, making a comeback from injury, ran a PB of 17:30 to take 5th in the senior Women’s 5km.
🥉 Jerry Motsau’s Bronze Comeback
After clocking a season’s best of 13:45.05 in the 5000m at Belgium’s Night of Athletics, Jerry flew back and claimed bronze (14:03) in the 5km at the ASA Champs just a day later. A gritty, back-to-back performance that proves class doesn’t need recovery time.
🥇 Team Gold for ACNW at SA Half Champs
Led by Thabang Mosiako (1st – 1:02:47) and Onalenna Khonkhobe (3rd – 1:04:16), the ACNW men’s team, including Tumisang Monatlala (8th – 1:06:59) and Divan de Vries (38th – 1:11:53), stormed to team gold. Tumisang narrowly missed a PB on a tough course, showing reliable form heading into the final quarter of the year.
🌍 Global Stage Success: Berlin & Nigeria
FISU World University Games – Berlin, Germany
Keanu Domingo (3:45.54) & Luan Munnik (3:44.43) both placed 3rd in their 1500m heats, earning spots in the final.
Christopher Swart also competed in the 800m heats, with his race scheduled for July 25.
CAA U18 & U20 African Championships – Abeokuta, Nigeria
Andrea Steynberg
PB of 4:21.1 in the U20 Women’s 1500m (8th place)
3rd in 800m semi, 5th in 800m final (unofficial times: 2:05 / 2:07)
🥇 GOLD in the 4x400m relay, finishing with a time of 3:44.99
Tatai Amogelang
Represented SA in the U20 1500m final and won the Junior Mile later in Phalaborwa, completing an exceptional month across borders.
Duathlon Glory for Divan de Vries
On 15 July, Divan de Vries won gold at the SA Duathlon Championships (standard distance: 10km run, 40km bike, 5km run).After a powerful surge on the final run, he took 1st overall and won his age category, qualifying for the 2026 World Championships. A major milestone in his multi-sport journey.
💡 A Nod to Coaching Greatness
On 16 July, PTC paid tribute to Coach Jean Verster, whose leadership continues to shape some of the most promising and consistent athletes in the country. His influence remains a backbone of every major milestone achieved this season.
📊 Recap Table: Key Performances (15–29 July)
Athlete | Event | Performance | Result/Highlight |
Divan de Vries | SA Duathlon / ASA Half Marathon | 1st place / 1:11:53 PB | National Duathlon Champ; Junior HM Champ |
Alri Verster | ASA 5km | 17:48 PB | Junior Champion |
Andrea Steynberg | CAA U20 / ASA Mile / 800m | 4:21.1 PB / 4:50.01 | GOLD in 4x400m; 1500m PB & Mile Title |
Tatai Amogelang | CAA U20 / ASA Mile | 4:12.9 PB | Junior Mile Champion |
Jerry Motsau | ASA 5km | 14:03 | Bronze Medal |
Christopher Swart | Belgium 800m (Night of Athletics) | 1:47.92 | 7th place |
Bertus van der Linde | ASA Mile | 4:16.2 | Bronze Medal |
Xavier van der Leek | ASA 5km | 15:07 PB | 7th Place |
Ina du Plessis | ASA 5km | 17:30 PB | 5th Place; Injury Comeback |
Luan Munnik / Keanu Domingo | FISU Heats | 3:44.43 / 3:45.54 | Both Qualified for Finals |
Tumisang Monatlala | SA Half Marathon | 1:06:59 | 8th Place; ACNW Team Gold |
Titles, Teams & Turning Points
Potch Track Club capped off July with a flood of accolades: national titles, continental medals, and World Championship qualifications. Whether under the heat of Phalaborwa or the bright lights of Berlin, PTC athletes showed heart, strategy, and world-class resolve.
From grassroots to gold medals, Potch continues to prove it's more than a club, it's a movement.
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