With the build-up to the 2027 Dusi Canoe Marathon beginning to gather momentum, the Kindo Covers Ozzie Gladwin Canoe Marathon on Sunday, 15 November, will provide Maswenkosi Mtolo and other paddlers a good opportunity to test their early Dusi preparation.
While the opening weeks of the season have featured a number of smaller races, the Ozzie Gladwin represents a significant step up in competition as paddlers look to build fitness, sharpen their racing skills and measure themselves against some of the strongest competitors in the region.
For Msawenkosi Mtolo, one of the modern day greats of the Dusi, the Ozzie will be an important marker in his preparations for the Dusi, offering an opportunity to assess his progress and identify areas that still require attention ahead of the iconic three-day race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
“I’m very excited. The smaller races have been important for getting back into race mode, but there’s nothing quite like competing at a bigger event,” Mtolo said.
“The Ozzie Gladwin is a race I’m really looking forward to because it gives me an opportunity to test myself against strong paddlers and see where I am with my preparation.”
Although the Ozzie Gladwin takes place on a different river to the Dusi, the Plastic And Chemical Trading Cc/Braca Paddles star believes the lessons gained from racing on the uMngeni River will be valuable as he continues to prepare for the challenges of the uMsundusi and uMngeni rivers.
The race provides an opportunity to work on several key aspects of performance that he will need to get right during the Dusi if he wants to push for the top spot on the podium.
“Even though the river is different, I believe every race contributes to Dusi preparation,” Mtolo added.
“The Ozzie will help me work on my fitness, boat control, racing pace and decision-making under pressure. It’s also a good opportunity to identify areas that still need improvement before Dusi.”
While a strong result would be a welcome boost, Mtolo is also focused on ensuring that his performances reflect the work being done in training. Finding the right balance between competitiveness and executing his race plan will be a key objective at the Ozzie Gladwin.
“The result is always important because I’m competitive and I want to perform well, but my main focus will be on how I race.
“I want to feel strong, comfortable and confident in the boat, execute my race plan and see how my training is translating into racing. If I can do that, hopefully the result will take care of itself,” Mtolo explained.
With the 2027 Dusi Canoe Marathon on the horizon, the Kindo Covers Ozzie Gladwin will be another important opportunity for paddlers to build momentum as the season progresses.
The race takes place at Albert Falls Dam on Sunday, 15 November, with competitors looking to use the challenge as a stepping stone towards one of South Africa’s premier canoeing events.