KwaThema – Sixteen athletes from KwaThema Disabled Sports Club have been selected for the Nedbank Championship trials in Germiston.
Aubrey Mathibela, team coach, says he is still overwhelmed by his athletes’ performances since the beginning of the year.
The athletes have been selected to represent Central Gauteng in the first round of trials which will see them qualify for the Nedbank Championships next year.
“I’m still hopeful that some of them will move on to represent South Africa in the World Championships more than anything,” he explains.
The club won 27 medals at the Nedbank National Championship, held in Port Elizabeth earlier this year.
Newcomer Valentine Mthembu (19) says she is looking forward to her first competition as part of the club.
“I have always loved sport and I am just so grateful for the opportunity to do this on a professional level.
“Sport keeps me motivated.”
Valentine hopes to qualify for discus, javelin and shotput.
Thirty-year-old Nthabiseng Phala, who is no stranger to competitive athletics, brought home two golds and two silvers.
“This time I am not just going to win, but I want to break records.”
Neo Ndlovu (21) won gold for the 100m, 200m and 400m races.
“I just envision myself at the top of the scoreboards and I will take nothing less.”
Coach Mathibela is still urging parents to allow their children to participate in sport in spite of any physical disability.
“I want them to see, through these athletes, that it is possible.”
