Seven young star athletes hail from Mohlakeng

‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is applicable to the seven athletes from Mohlakeng Athletics Club who have been given scholarships to study in Pretoria.

Mapule Makgetha, 17, Rivers Williams, 16, Shimmy Makgane, 16, Bokang Mabote, 15, Kamogelo Rabotapi, 14, Rethabile Chauke, 14, and Amogelang Tshabalala, 15, all obtained scholarships to attend TuksSport High School based in Pretoria.

Coach Paseka Mabote said these youngsters were selected based on certain criteria.

“The athletes did trials and had to pass aptitude and fitness tests to be awarded the scholarship. We are extremely proud that athletes from our club have been given the opportunity of a lifetime,” Paseka said.

He hopes that other learners will follow in their footsteps.

“I groomed these athletes from primary school level, and have been by their side every step of the way. They are incredible youngsters and have grown into potential national athletes.”

He added that one of the athletes, Mapule Makgetha, is raised by a single parent and grandmother, which is inspirational.

“She cannot thank God enough for this opportunity of a lifetime. For her, this is a great achievement.”

Mapule said it wasn’t easy and all of them had to find a balance between training and school work.

“We had a time slot for everything – we trained one hour in the morning before class, and then one hour after school, except on Fridays,” she said.

Being one of the eldest among the athletes, Mapule had some advice for other aspiring athletes.

“I always tell my younger sister, who is also an athlete, that she should train hard and focus on her school work because one of them might open doors; if not in education, then in sport.”