The Dynamic Duo Behind Hollywood Athletics Club
Focus on Lala Cele and Poppy Mlambo
“Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo” (You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock)— a powerful statement that resonates with women across South Africa. Behind the scenes at the Hollywood Athletics Club, two formidable women are key to the club’s success and the growth of its membership. As the club reached 2,000 members nationally in July, much of the credit went to Lala and Poppy for their hard work and dedication.
Lala Cele, known affectionately as the “Mother of the Club,” has been with the Hollywood Athletics Club for six years, playing a pivotal role in its growth and success. At 50 years old, Lala continues to lead by example, inspiring women across the club with her participation in major races like The Comrades Marathon, Two Oceans Marathon, Cape Town Marathon, and Soweto Marathon. Her impressive running resume is matched by her role as a Senior Coordinator, where her leadership and strict organisational skills have helped navigate the club to new heights, especially within KwaZulu-Natal, where she is known for her popularity and bubbly personality.
“Being part of such a big club comes with great responsibility and a lot of hard work, but we are a family here, and that is what makes it special. As long as there are roads, we will keep on running and growing,” said Lala.
As the saying goes, “Dynamite comes in small packages,” and Gauteng Coordinator Poppy Mlambo embodies this perfectly. Poppy boasts an incredible running career, including winning the SA Marathon with an impressive time of 02:38 and placing second in the 2009 Soweto Marathon, narrowly missing out on first place. Her wealth of experience and commitment to the club’s growth make her an invaluable asset.
Poppy has played a crucial role in the expansion of the club in Gauteng, driving its development with passion and dedication. “It’s an exciting job with a lot of challenges. Runners aren’t easy people to deal with, but I’m glad to have the crew here in Gauteng. We’re a family—we look after each other, and we all share the same vision,” said Poppy.
Hollywood Athletics Club President Morgan Shandu expressed his appreciation for these remarkable women, saying, “As we enter Women’s Month, we are grateful for such amazing women who give their all for this club 24/7. Their efforts and hard work are deeply valued.”
