Through commitment André has had a good year

The 27-year-old left for the Africa Championships in Alexandria, Egypt to compete under the 130kg senior division Greco Roman Style. The contest took place from May 27 till 29. He came out third.

This educator by day and wrestler by night is still as committed to his work than when he started in 1995. He says the hard work never stops.

“As soon as you qualify for something you need to practice harder for the next challenge and the cycle goes on and on,” said André.

He says he learned quite a lot in Egypt as this was one of the hardest fights he had ever participated in.

“It was a difficult contest but in the same breath it became a motivation to work harder and be the best wrestler in the world,” said André.

He is part of the Inyathi Wrestling Club in eMalahleni under coach Juandre Fivaz who is a Greco Roman expert. This combination proves to be a recipe for success as he has also came second at the All Africa games in Brazzaville, Congo in September. This is the highest award that an individual can achieve on provincial level in the wrestling federation.

André Schutte with the coach of Inyathi Wrestling Club Juandre Fivaz.

His coach Juandre Fivaz says André continues to practice hard and is still focused on his dream.

“His hunger never stops,” said Fivaz

André is still sticking to his motto being: “I can do better through total commitment” and hopes 2016 will be a good year like 2015 was.