Sello shares pearls of wisdom with fencers from Raven Fencing Club
For the average person on the street, the name Sello Maduma (28) means nothing, but if your are a fencer, it probably means a lot.
POLOKWANE – For the average person on the street, the name Sello Maduma (28) means nothing, but if your are a fencer, it probably means a lot.
Sello comes from humble beginnings in Mamelodi, and received the opportunity to start fencing at the age of 13 and fell in love with the sport immediately.
He visited Polokwane on Saturday, where he spent time with fencers from Raven Fencing Club.
“I was introduced to fencing when I was in gr. 6 or gr. 7, but I officially started when I was 13. The club where I started is the first development club in Mamelodi,” he said.
He received his first medal in 2003 at the Gauteng Province Competition and also competed nationally that year. In 2004, he took part in a national competition and in 2007 he came first in the Junior Championships in Turkey.
“Fencing teaches you discipline, especially when you start early in life. Fencing is a lifestyle, it teaches you respect and responsibility on and off the piste.”
Sello currently works at a bank, but owns two development clubs, one in Mamelodi and one in Refilwe in Pretoria. Between the two clubs, he has 26 fencers.
“The worst part about fencing is that it might get lonely as it is not a team sport. But I use that to inspire others.”
His favorite weapon in fencing is the Epee for two reasons: it was the first sword he got introduced to and as a fencer, one needed to be strategic and very focused.
“I also took part in the Olympics and Commonwealth games. That was amazing as it is the biggest competitions you can take part in. It is more than just about winning,” he said.
