Limpopo Fencing appoints Sello Maduma’s replacement

POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Fencing Association has appointed Joseph Maluleke as new coach.

Maluleke takes over from Sello Maduma who vacated the position for a top coaching post in the US.

Read more: Limpopo fencing coach to head club in US

Renuka Ramroop, chairperson of the association said Maluleke will start coaching in November.

“Joseph is a coach from Soweto. He and Sello Maduma go back a long way as they trained together from the time they were teenagers, and Joseph is no stranger to local fencers as he has hosted training camps which they attended. He has always supported Limpopo fencers at national competitions when they were without a coach for many years. He also spent a year coaching in the Eastern Cape. He is currently coaching in Bangladesh and will be joining Limpopo Fencing Association and Sello Maduma Fencing Academy in November.”

In the interim, Thabile Pilane from Botswana is assisting fencers to prepare for the national fencing competition in Gauteng.

“She works hard and is doing a great job.”

Pilane paid tribute to Maduma for helping fencers to move up in the national rankings and for raising awareness of the sport.

“Sello’s coaching experience saw four fencers consistently among the top four in the country, securing their spot in the national team. His technical skills as a coach have given fencers a wide repertoire in the fencing and we hope that this will stand them in good stead even though Sello is no longer here to coach them. He has assisted in the growth and development of the sport in the Mankweng area as he volunteered as a coach to both the University of Limpopo and two surrounding schools. The clubs are active with dedicated members and making a difference in the community. Sello was able to bring out the best in his fencers with his unique combination of being kind and strict, and his exceptional coaching qualities. He will be missed.”