Hlekani takes helm of UJ rowing
AUCKLAND PARK – The Port Alfred born, who commenced his coaching duties last month, said that he was excited to be leading a group of motivated and hardworking athletes.
Top South African rower Athenkosi Hlekani has been appointed as the new assistant coach of the University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s rowing team for the 2015/16 season.
“Their attitude has changed the dynamics of the club and has made it competitive again,” said the former UJ captain.
The 25-year-old said that the club was in the best shape the university had ever seen.
“There are proper structures in place and the vibe among the athletes is amazing. It is almost a different club.”
Hlekani’s leadership abilities first caught the spotlight when he was selected to go to the Youth World Leadership camp, hosted by the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP), in Doha in Qatar three years ago.
“It was a huge honour and privilege to take part in a camp which brings youth leaders from different parts of the world together,” said Hlekani.
Hlekani, who comes from a disadvantaged background and received a full sports scholarship to UJ, said being chosen for the UNOSDP course first put him on the path to his coaching career.
After graduating, Hlekani was recruited by Jeppe High School as their junior rowing coach, which later evolved into the position of head of rowing.
Wanting to learn more about coaching at tertiary level, he grabbed his latest opportunity to coach his alma mater.
“This was a big win for me. UJ has been my home for many years and there is nowhere better for me to learn about coaching.
I felt it was also a form of giving back to my old club that has been so instrumental in getting me where I am today,” Hlekani said.
He said one of the top moments of his career had been the opportunity to race with the Oxford Alumni crew on two separate occasions.
He was also featured in a book by Jack Carlson title Rowing Blazers, which features Olympians, world champions and other star athletes.
