By: Jeffrey Letlape

Athletics South Africa (ASA) President Leoanard Chuene has called on the South African public to focus on the success of South African athletes rather than the controversial issues being dominated in the media.

Chuene made the plea at Carvinal City on the East Rand where Khotso Mokoena, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and Caster Semenya were honoured by Afrisun East Rand Community Trust (AERCT) and Carnival City in recognition of their achievements at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Berlin in August. Semenya and Mulaudzi scooped gold medals in the 800m track events while Mokoena secured silver in the long jump - each athlete received R40 000 from Carnival City and the AERCT.

The ASA President says the athletes are an inspiration to youngsters hence the public should rather concentrate on the stars, to motivate youngsters of tomorrow.

However, the Chairperson of AERCT Gibson Twala has called on President Jacob Zuma to recognise athletes by giving them pension funds and health benefits for life because their lifespans are short as sportsmen. He also called on government to provide facilities to groom more youngsters.

The AERCT spotted Mokoena's talent in 2004 when they were in the process of sponsoring sporting equipment for his school. The trustees were so excited by the youngster's talent that they helped him further his training and gave him the opportunity to compete in Europe.

ASA spokesperson, Chris Brizt, says the incentives will go a long way in motivating the athletes to achieve more in the future whilst at the same time it sends a good message to new athletes that performance deserves to be rewarded.

Semenya and Mulaudzi were not present but family members were there to represent the duo.