Twins triumph

AFTER finishing 2018 in fine style, Khayelitsha fencing twins Phumza and Phakama Yantolo, 18, are carrying on from where they left off.

The former Kwamfundo Secondary

School pupils dominated the Junior National Championships in Soweto last weekend.

The members of the Blue Khayelitsha

Fencing Club finished in third and fifth place in the individual event at the championships.

Phumza won the bronze medal and said she had to work hard for victory.

“I was happy about my results, but most importantly I enjoyed myself. What I learnt is to never underestimate your opponent, whether it is at a national or international competition,” she said.

Last year the twins competed at the Junior Fencing African Championships in Nigeria and the Commonwealth Junior Fencing Championships in England.

Phumza and Phakama finished in ninth and 10th position in the individual event at the African Championships. However, they did not walk away empty-handed as they won the bronze medal in the team event along with teammates Mone de Jager and Natania Bester. They finished in the top 40 in the individual event at the Commonwealth Championships.

“We are happy with our results because it was the first time that we represented our country at international level. To top off it off, we went on to win our first medal which is something that we will always cherish,” said Phakama.

Coach Patrick Collings said he was happy with the twins’ performances.

“Their technique and tactics have improved considerably over the past two years. However, there is always room for improvement,” he said.

Chairperson for Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape Ricardo Mackenzie said he hoped that the twins’ unwavering perseverance and determination would inspire millions of young South Africans to pursue active involvement in sports and other cultural activities.

“It is fantastic to see children not only partake, but excel in their chosen sport,” he said.