Kwa-Thema – Twenty-two athletes from the Kwa-Thema Disability Club will compete in the National Championships for the disabled.
The team qualified after competing in the provincial level of the competition two weeks ago at the Germiston Stadium.
The national competition is scheduled for March 17 to 23 at the Germiston Stadium.
Team coach Aubrey Mathibela said he is proud of the team for making it this far.
“It is the first time that such a big number of players made it this far in the competition.
“We hope that they will come back with gold medals, they deserve them,” he said.
Also read: Local disabled sports team recognised
On Saturday, one of the parents, Jennie Smith, donated sporting equipment to the team.
This was with the help of friends and social media donations.
Smith said she committed herself to help the team with donations for equipment.
“I was heartbroken when I saw a group of players sharing a single pair of soccer boots during training.
“From that day, I vowed to help where I could through the help of friends,” she explained.
Over the years, she has donated soccer boots, tekkies and sporting gear.
The players’ commitment and dedication moved her to seek help to allow them to focus on their talent.
Mathibela added that they appreciate all the help they receive from the community.
“Some players come from disadvantaged backgrounds and often cannot afford sports shoes.
“We are then forced to accommodate the player and try to raise money for them,” he added.
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