SHARPEVILLE.- Lehlohonolo Matuane, aged 8, is a young man with a big heart whose story is poised to inspire many, regardless of age, particularly athletes.
This promising football career of the learner from Lehlaseli Primary School was tragically cut short when he was struck by a car while crossing the road at the tender age of 6, shattering his dream of becoming a successful professional soccer player.
He had been playing for the local amateur club, Ghetto Seven FC u/11, serving as a goalkeeper, with aspirations to follow in the footsteps of Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, until that fateful Friday afternoon in 2021.
However, this setback did not deter Matuane from pursuing his dream of athletic success. He made the courageous decision to join a local swimming club in Sharpeville following the loss of his left leg in the aforementioned tragic incident.
Matuane recently participated in the Primary and Secondary Schools Gala Swimming Tournament held at the Sharpeville Swimming Pool over the weekend, showcasing his determination and resilience in the face of adversity. With unwavering support from his parents and coaches, Matuane is a young man destined for a bright future in swimming.
In an interview with Sedibeng Ster, Matuane revealed that following the loss of his leg, he immediately joined the swimming club for obvious reasons. Though he initially faced teasing from other children, he found strength through the support of his parents and emerged stronger. Matuane’s parents, Tankiso Mareka and Nomonde Matuane, expressed their steadfast support for their son.
“He is a good boy and he loves swimming, even though he initially pursued football. After the accident, he decided to switch to football but faced challenges due to teasing from other children. We have also emphasised the importance of his studies, as he struggled academically last year, but now he is fully focused,” remarked his mother.
