Meet PJ Ntimane - SA's rising star in junior athletics

At just 14 years old, PJ Ntimane is emerging as one of South Africa’s most exciting young athletes. Hailing from Barberton, Mpumalanga, this promising distance runner has already made waves on the national athletics scene, impressing with his natural talent, unyielding determination, and commitment to excellence.

In 2024, PJ wrapped up his primary education at Laerskool Barberton Primary. Besides being a standout student, he was also one of the head leaders and at the annual prize giving, earned the prestigious Barberton Prize, which acknowledges excellence across academics, leadership, and sport. He also received trophies for the Best Male Athlete and Best Cross Country Athlete, further proving his versatility on and off the track.

PJ’s passion for athletics began early, influenced by his father, Patrick Ntimane, a former elite runner and now an active member of the Bellas Athletics Club. “From as young as four, PJ was already running, and by the age of five, he was a regular at the BarbertonParkrun. His natural flair for distance running became evident even at that early stage, setting the tone for his future in the sport,” his proud father said. Athletic excellence runs deep in the Ntimane family. PJ is the younger brother of Nothando and Ayanda, both accomplished squash players who represented Mpumalanga at the SA Country Festival Tournament. Nothando went on to earn national colours, even competing internationally. This sporting legacy has clearly influenced PJ’s drive and ambition.

Now a Grade 8 student at Rob Ferreira High School, White River, which is a school known for its academic and sporting excellence, PJ continues to push boundaries. Earlier this year, he made headlines by breaking a longstanding 90-second school record, an extraordinary achievement that showcased his rapid rise in the athletics world. PJ has since represented Mpumalanga at several Athletics South Africa (ASA) National Championships in cities like Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, and Gqeberha. He is the reigning GBVF Street Mile Champion and secured 8th place at the Tembisa Street Mile, competing alongside South Africa’s top junior athletes.

Despite a demanding academic schedule, PJ has already participated in over ten athletics meetings this year, collecting a series of notable accolades, including:

• Gold Medals in the 800m and 1500m at the TWK Highveld Inter-Highs in Middelburg• Silver and Bronze in the same events at the Lowveld Inter High• Silver Medal in the 800m at the Super Inter High in Pretoria Pilditch• Second-place finishes in both events at the Hoogenhout Top 20 Meet• A stellar 10km debut at the NMC Fast Race in Nelspruit, clocking 35:52• A top performance at the Mpumalanga Track and Field Championships, earning a spot on the provincial team for the SA Schools National Championships in Bloemfontein• Key contributor to Rob Ferreira’s win at the SuperSport Schools Regional Championships, where the school was crowned Mpumalanga Champions.

According to his father, one of PJ’s most significant accomplishments came at the SuperSport SA Track and Field Finals, where Rob Ferreira High School took home the National Championship title in the Boys’ Category, earning a grand prize of R50,000. “PJ’s strong performance in the 800m and a determined 4th-place finish in the 1500m were crucial in securing the win. Meanwhile, the girls’ team also secured an impressive 3rd-place finish”.

Currently preparing for the Mpumalanga Cross Country Championships, PJ is hoping to qualify for the SA National Championships. Under the guidance of top South African athletes and coaches, PJ continues to train with dedication, benefiting from the unwavering support of Rob Ferreira High School and Bellas Athletics Club in Mbombela. Driven by a vision of competing at the 2032 Olympic Games, PJ Ntimane’s story is one of ambition, perseverance, and heart.

Not only is he a gifted athlete, but he also excels in academics, is a natural leader, and remains grounded in his pursuits.

With his determination and vision, PJ is sure to make an indelible mark on South African athletics for years to come. Barberton, and South Africa, keep an eye on PJ Ntimane. He’s just getting started.

Read more on Africa InTouch News

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