Local sport stars shine on global platforms
SOUTH Africa is still riding the crest of the sporting wave after the recent Springboks’ Rugby World Cup win and the fine showings (mostly) of the Proteas at the cricket equivalent of the global championship.
The triumphant tour of the land showed just how much love the nation has for its heroes and how we claim their victory as our own personal success.
It certainly did change the entire mood of a country that needs as much positivity as it can glean from whatever source, to counter many of the negatives that confront us daily.
We are thrilled today, on our back page, to boast of no fewer than three tremendous sporting successes by people from this region.
Nozipho Ntshangase from eNseleni played netball for the Proteas in New Zealand over the weekend in a ‘Fast5’ form of the sport that requires even more energy and agility than does the normal format.
Her selection shows that one can make it big despite being from a smaller sport community outside the main cities where the spotlight usually falls.
On that note, we also have a female golfing duo from eShowe who took on and beat competition from many countries in an international sponsored event.
Nita Dalziel and Joy
Vorster have made a habit of winning competitions locally, provincially and nationally, and this time the happy hunting ground was in Portugal.
Added to the above was Richards Bay’s Zane Ison winning four gold medals, all new world records, at the World Powerlifting Champs in Manchester, England – not the first time he has been on the winner’s podium in international events.
Just a fortnight ago, Paul Gouge was awarded his Protea cap for the Over-60s cricket side that will play in India next year.
And, although battling for wins in the DStv Premiership, the Natal Rich Boyz have recently dumped Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates out of the prestigious Carling Cup competition.
These are by no means the only sports stars in our region, and we also salute others who have not been mentioned, for their personal and team achievements.
In saying this, we also acknowledge the coaches, teachers, mentors, municipalities, sponsors and sport administrators who have enabled our people to get out there and perform at top level.
Our chests swell with pride.