Disabled athletics club starts year on high note
KwaThema Disabled Athletics Club is making strides to give people with physical disabilities a sporting chance.
Coach Aubrey Mathibela and his team continue on their quest to support young athletes as they go for gold. Next month 16 of the club’s athletes will participate in the Four Nations Cup, in Bloemfontein, in both international and provincial clashes.
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Lefa Gova (30), who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, was selected to be part of the national soccer team. “He was also selected to be part of the Gauteng Disabled Soccer Team,” adds Mathibela. Valentine Mthembu, was selected to be part of the national females soccer team. “She has played on the squad on numerous occasions now,” he explains.
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Fourteen-year-old Mivuyo Tabata, from Msobomvu Primary School, says he looks forward to competing in the 100m dash. “I am excited that we are going to be so far away from home. “I really believe that I will do well,” he says. Bongani Mgidi (18) says his big dream is to represent the country in the next Olympic Games. “I am willing to work hard at it.” Aubrey encourages anyone who would like to participate in any sport to join the team. “As the year starts we hope to see more and more new faces. “We are still encouraging anyone who wants to join the team to come on board. “It is going to be a good year.” Mathibela says they have had great support from the Department of Sports Arts and Culture.
