Mbanjwa makes Dusi history

Started 57 years ago, the canoe race takes place along the Msunduzi River from Camps Drift Pietermaritzburg to the Blue Lagoon at the Umgeni River mouth in Durban. The gruelling three-day race attracts around 2000 paddlers annually who brave their way along 120km of wild Natal waters.Mbanjwa who comes from the Valley of a Thousand Hills, an area which forms part of the race’s route, has been competing in the Dusi since 1999. Mbanjwa was joined by teammate Martin Dreyer. The pair completed the race in a record time of 7 hours 33 minutes and 24 seconds.Mbanjwa is proud to have made his 10th race his best so far.  “I am very happy,” says Mbanjwa, “I have been trying to do this for four years now. Last year I came close. I did well on the first day but didn’t win because I wasn’t as strong on the following days. So now I am really happy.”Mbanjwa attributes his and Dreyer’s success to their extensive training. “We trained really hard in the valley and took the time to learn the river.”Being the first black winner of the Dusi is a feat that Mbanjwa is proud of but one that he hopes will not cloud his skill, talent and hard work. “I’ve been competing with the top crews for four years now and I believe that I can paddle as fast as the best.”Mbanjwa is happy to see that there is growing support or canoeing within his community. Following his success, Mbanjwa and Dreyer were flown to Mbanjwa’s home in a helicopter where he was met by a throng of excited neighbours, friends and family who had gathered to celebrate his success. “I was so surprised by how much support there was,” he says. “I’m sure that more young people will join the sport. They saw everything and I think it inspired them.”Mbanjwa’s next goal is to win the K1 (single Kayak) Dusi 2009 where he will compete alone. “This is a real challenge but I will try my best. I’ve just got to put my head down and do it.”Mbanjwa and Dreyer will next be seen defending their title in the Stihl Non-Stop Dusi 2009, set to take place on the 9th of February.For more on the Hansa-Powerade Dusi Marathon and all the 2008 winners visit www.dusi.org.zaSouthAfrica.info / SAGN