Alberton coach helps Soweto skateboarder qualify for Youth Olympic Games

From the streets of Soweto to the international stage, young skateboarder Molemo Modise is set to represent South Africa at the Youth Olympic Games, with Alberton coach Sharne Jacobs playing a central role in his journey.

The event will be hosted in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13.

Molemo earned his junior South African colours after travelling to Brazil to compete at the World Skate Championships in February, where he collected crucial ranking points needed to secure his Youth Olympic Games qualification.

Behind his rise is Sharne Jacobs, founder of the JHB Skate Club, who has spent years developing young skateboarding talent through structured programmes at the Nike Shapa Soweto facility.

Alberton coach helping shape future champions

Sharne said her journey into skateboarding started during her teenage years.

“When I was a teenager, I saw people skating in the streets and always thought it looked really cool. I also used to play Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 at a friend’s house, and that definitely influenced me to start skating myself,” she said.

She later moved into coaching after creating a safe space for young skaters, particularly girls.

“I got into coaching around the age of 27, when I noticed more people becoming interested in skateboarding after I started a safe space called Girls Skate South Africa. It all grew organically from there.”

Sharne said the Soweto programme began as a passion project before Nike South Africa partnered with her to help expand its reach.

“It was always a passion project for me, to give back what skateboarding gave to me,” she said.

‘He’s fearless and determined’

Looking back on when she first met Molemo, Sharne described him as “a typical teenager trying to find himself”.

“He was a little naughty at times, but also very quiet and reserved,” she said.

However, his natural ability quickly stood out.

“When I saw him skating, he was fearless, determined, and learned incredibly fast.”

Sharne believes access to sport programmes is important in township communities.

“These spaces keep kids off the streets, give them structure, and keep them focused and motivated.
“I believe there should be more skateparks and structured programmes because there’s so much hidden talent in township communities where opportunities like this are often not accessible,” she said.

Funding remains a major obstacle

Sharne added that funding remains one of the biggest challenges for young skateboarders aiming to compete internationally.

“It’s difficult to compete at a high level without international exposure, and travelling overseas for competitions is very expensive,” she said.

For Sharne, seeing one of her skaters reach the Youth Olympic Games is a big achievement.

“As a coach, this is a huge milestone for both Molemo and me. He’s inspiring others and showing young people that no matter where you come from, with perseverance and hard work, anything is possible.”

‘Qualifying felt unreal’

Molemo said receiving confirmation of his qualification felt surreal.

“Finding out that I qualified for the Youth Olympic Games felt unreal and exciting. I was proud of myself because all the hard work, training, and sacrifices finally paid off,” he said.

Competing internationally in Brazil was a defining moment in his journey.

“Being able to travel, meet other talented skaters, and represent my country has been an experience I will never forget.”

He credited Sharne for much of his development as an athlete.

“Coach Sharne Jacobs has helped me grow a lot as an athlete by always believing in me, pushing me to improve, and supporting me through challenges. She has taught me discipline, confidence, and how to stay focused on my goals,” he said.

More than just skateboarding

Team manager Natalia Alvarez said many of the young athletes face challenges beyond sport, particularly in education and transport.

“Many of our kids come from schools that are under-resourced and overcrowded. We have kids who, at 15 years old, still struggle to read properly,” she said.

Natalia said the club has introduced reading support and additional development programmes alongside skateboarding.

Despite the challenges, she said the skaters remain highly motivated.

“They show up every day so happy to be there and that spirit is what inspires us to keep going,” she said.

Transport is another major problem, with some athletes travelling long distances to attend training.

“For example, Molemo travels close to 30 minutes each way just to get to practice at Shapa.”

Inspiring the next generation

Natalia said Molemo’s achievement carries meaning far beyond sport.

“For the first time, a 16-year-old kid from Soweto has the opportunity to represent at the youth Olympics level. That is bigger than skateboarding.

“It shows our kids that someone who grew up exactly like them can dream beyond what they see around them every day,” she said.

Molemo hopes his journey will motivate other young people.

“Your background does not define your future. With dedication, discipline, and the right support, young people from any community can achieve incredible things and represent their country on the world stage.”