Skateboarders from Secunda need a place of their own
I believe that if we can have a local area or skate park, we will be able to get more youngsters involved in the sport
SECUNDA – A handful of skateboarders from the Govan Mbeki municipal area took part in and also helped to host the Push’i culture skate competition in Sebokeng, Vanderbijl Park recently.
Phila Molepo (25) and his crew comprising Aubrey Sitta, Travis Thomas, DJ Thokwane and Theo November, call themselves Mpumalanga Skate (MpSkate) that forms part of Skater Nation who were the official hosts of the competition alongside Definitive brand, DRTv.
They also took part in the two best trick section.
These young men are very serious about their sport.
Even when their equipment such as benches and ramps were removed from where they used to practice, they still persist and regularly skate in the central business district of Secunda.
“We use the walkways and steps in the town to hone our trick skills,” said Molepo.
The group has their own online brand where they also sell skateboards, clothes, equipment and spares, and also organises rap battle events such as the Zulluminati Battle league in Johannesburg.
“Many of our skaters do not locally have places to skate and travel to Gauteng. These include members from Standerton and Ermelo. I believe that if we can have a local area or skate park, we will be able to get more youngsters involved in the sport.”
Molepo said all they really need is a space with a smooth surface.
Mpumalanga Skate is also planning an upcoming competition for Secunda.
