UNIVERSITY of Johannesburg (UJ) squash stars Elani and Lumé Landman will represent South Africa in a week long exhibition tournament at the Indian Ocean Island Games in Réunion from August 1.
This is the first time South Africa has been invited to participate in the quadrennial tournament.
The Landman sisters, who are identical twins, were chosen to represent SA based on their outstanding performances at national and international tournaments.
Earlier this month, the twins were part of the squash team that claimed the fourth consecutive gold medal for UJ at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament.
Elani said it was a very emotional win for them, particularly because it was their last outing as UJ players.
“We knew Tukkies was our strongest competition and we had to bring everything to the table as it was the last time we would be able to do it for UJ,” she said.
Both Elani and Lumé are in their final year of study for a Bachelor of Education degree.
Originally from Port Elizabeth, the sisters now turn out for the Central Gauteng senior women’s A-team.
At the recent Jarvis and Kaplan Cup inter-provincial tournament in Potchefstroom, they warded off Western Province in the final to secure the title as national champions.
Despite their identical appearance, the 21-year-old students each have their unique playing style. Elani is a three-time national u.19 champion, while Lumé previously held the honours in the u.16 age group.
“We know each others game and emotions very well. It is also very important to support each other on and off the court and give advice when needed,” said Elani.
“When we have to play against each other, we remove all emotion from the game and just concentrate on playing the best we can regardless of the outcome,” she added.
The pair are no strangers to international competition and ahead of the games, the twins are busy honing their fitness and squash skills under the guidance of coach Mike Bester.
“Our strategy is to stay sharp and work on the small things on the court before we leave,” said Elani.
