Six of the best YWP drummies receive KZN colours
"It's a phenomenal achievement because it's a very challenging trials camp.''
SIX Yellowwood Park Primary School drum majorettes are the proud new owners of KwaZulu-Natal provincial colours in their sport.
The senior primary learners, ranging in age from 11 to 12-years-old, earned 78 points and above to qualify for the honour.
They were tested by judges from the South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association on prop-work, formations and fitness level over two days. The KZNMCA provincial colours camp was hosted recently at Yellowwood Park Primary and included participants from several KZN schools.
Abongwe Dladla (11) received her provincial colours for the second time. The star athlete, who received the Victrix Ludorum award at the school’s sports day recently after breaking and setting new records, also plays netball and runs cross-country.
“What I love most about drummies is that we get to travel,” she said. Despite receiving her colours the first time she tried out for them last year, she still gets nervous. “I felt scared because every time the judges would look at me and write something down, and I wouldn’t know what it was.”
“I felt nervous because I thought I might be bad at it but as I was performing, I began to feel like I could get it,” said grade six learner Kylie Blignaut. The 11-year-old is a sub-leader on the drummies team and has participated in the sport for two years. She also takes part in netball, swimming, hockey, cricket, dancing, choir and the conservation club.
The second try proved the charm for twin sisters Dayna and Shona Beard. The girls took up the sport together three years ago. While they tried for their colours for the first time last year, they finally managed to clinch them this year. Shona is particularly proud of her skills using the mace and double flags. “I couldn’t do baton for a while, but with practise I became really good at it,” she said of the prop that challenged her the most.
For Dayna, skill with the mace did not come easy. “I’m good at double flag but I used to be bad at mace. I’ve practised and now I am good at it.”
Nosihle Shezi (120 is an academic badge holder who also does cross-country. She has been a drummie for three years and counts being tasked with teaching novices the flags as one of her favourite experiences – particularly because flags used to be hard for her when she first started. “When my aunt was young, she was also a drummie. I asked her about it and she told me stories about it which made me want to be one too.” “I am good with all props except sometimes baton. I love formations because they are easy and keep you moving.”
The pupils’ coaches Samantha Nicholson and Sinqobile Khuboni said they were proud of their achievements.
“It’s a phenomenal achievement because it’s a very challenging trials camp. They are tested on their abilities, their physical strength, mental capabilities, team spirit and dedication to the sport. I’m really proud of what they’ve achieved,” said Nicholson.
