University of Johannesburg student, Mzwandile Sotsaka achieved the greatest moment of his rowing career thus far when he claimed a bronze medal at the Fisu World University Championships in China.
Sotsaka and his partner, Brad Betts braved the soaring summer Shanghai heat to take third place in the heavyweight men’s doubles race.
The achievement was one the team was looking forward to and worked hard for.
Sotsaka shared, “Without a doubt my proudest achievement, after a tough season of training and winning a medal shows that it was all worth it.”
Sotsaka, who is a 22-year-old BSc Mathematics student, shared his joy with being able to take away a medal from the competition.
He said, “Standing on the podium of a world event is every sportsman’s dream and I am privileged enough to have done it.”
He acknowledged that he expected stiff competition from his opponents. He said, “I was expecting high-calibre competition and that was exactly what we got, fortunately, we were well prepared for the racing.”
With all the hard work put into qualifying and winning a medal at an international competition, Sotsaka said his partner played a crucial part in their towing progress.
He said, “Brad is an extremely intelligent person, both on and off the water, and he and I clicked immediately when we were paired together in the double.
Having him as my bowman (the rower closest to the bow who controls the boat) brought me great confidence.”
Sotsaka also gave thanks to his brother, Katlego, for getting him into the sport and his mentor, Mpumi Geza.
He said, “I will always be indebted to Mpumi, who coached me to my first international medal; he is the unsung hero in South African rowing.” He also thanked UJ for supporting him over the years.
Sotsaka has his eyes set on his next goal, which is breaking into South Africa’s national rowing team in the near future.
He added, “In the long-term, the goal is to qualify for the Olympic Games and perhaps box for a medal there, too.”
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