Siyaphambili five ready to go
FIVE Siyaphambili Triathlon Participation Programme athletes have qualified for a slot at the 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay on September 1 and 2.
The opportunity for people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to excel is always a tough battle.
However, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has been grabbed with both hands by Talia Nomdoe, Zolile Mhlahlo, Justin Butler, Yaseen Abrahams and Yusuf Arendse, who will represent the Nelson Mandela Baybased NPO in this world event.
Nomdoe, 25, is the only woman and the second-youngest member of the group of five.
This is her first season with Siyaphambili, having joined last year.
She is a full-time paramedic student at Nelson Mandela University.
In her zeal to succeed, she has entered the Standard Bank Ironman African Championship in April, her first full-distance Ironman event.
Mhlahlo, 44, also embodies the Siyaphambili “reach for the stars” attitude. He joined Siyaphambili in 2015. Although at first he could not swim, his hard work and consistent drive have seen him overcome this obstacle.
Siyaphambili administrator Khanyisa Bada said: “Zolile turned his weakness into a strength and is now one of the fastest overall finishers in Siyaphambili.
“We are excited to see what he will bring at the championship.”
Abrahams, 47, is in his second season with Siyaphambili but is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with.
He pushes himself, works hard and gives triathlon his all.
He will be joined by Yusuf Arendse, 33, who has been with the programme since 2011.
Siyaphambili team coordinator and coach Justin Butler, 26, who joined the programme in 2012, has also qualified.
He said: “We hope to inspire all potential PDI athletes to take the leap if they are interested in Ironman triathlon.”
The programme, which started in 2005 with seven athletes, has seen a steady increase in numbers.