Story of hope: Mutombo still chasing his dreams
Residing in Retreat, Cape Town, Mutombo has decided to focus on his studies to achieve his dreams.
Benoni City Times last spoke with Caleb Mutombo (now 23) in 2017 and decided to catch up with him to see how he has been doing.
In 2017, he resided in Kids Haven due to his sister getting married and relocating to Cape Town.
Mutombo and his late older brother were born with sickle-cell disease (SCD), the most common type of sickle-cell anaemia (SCA).
As a result, Mutombo has physical disabilities affecting his legs, arms, shoulders and hands, but none of this stopped him from chasing his dreams.
“I recently moved to Cape Town, where I am now a student, to be closer to family,” he explained.
“I also love the beaches and being surrounded by the city’s natural beauty.”
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Residing in Retreat, Mutombo decided to focus on his studies to achieve his dreams.
“I am currently studying IT and working on a fitness course,” he said.
“Becoming a gym instructor is not what I am after. I really what to train other physically challenged athletes.
“I have not done this yet as I am struggling to close in on obtaining a fitness diploma.”
Ryan Manthe, co-owner of Trinergy Health and Fitness in Northmead, read Mutombo’s story in the newspaper dated September 23, 2016, about his desire to own his gym and become a bodybuilder.
After reading the article, Manthe and the co-owners of Nitro Health and Nutrition in Rynfield decided to sponsor Mutombo with the necessities needed to become a personal trainer.
“I still speak to Ryan from time to time but we are both very busy people, so we don’t talk that much,” he explained.
“Ryan is just the best, I will never forget hanging out with him. We get along so well and I find that he is hardworking and down to earth. I want to be that guy.”
Mutombo, however, has had to put a pause on his bodybuilding.
“I’ve been trying to get back at it,” he said.
“I have been trying to get sponsors and donors while I study, but it is hard. My goal has been to fund my dreams by getting a job as a physical trainer.
“I have decided to first complete my studies because after some careful calculations I’ve concluded that I couldn’t do both at the same time.”
Mutombo, therefore, hopes to one day make his way back into the fitness world.
“I came first in the in the disabled division of the 2019 Sharmeen Classic. This is probably because no other disabled athletes competed. They probably heard I was coming and so decided to stay at home,” he chuckled.
In five years, Mutombo sees himself having accomplished his mechatronics, IT and fitness studies.
“Then I will enter the military,” he explained.
“I’d most probably join the Russian military since they allow foreigners.”
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So what is the plan?
“This year, some of my goals include finishing both my fitness diploma and computer science studies. I am almost done.
“I am starting my podcast called Mutombo Talks, which will start in June. You can expect to hear topics regarding politics, technology and self-help.
“And I want to get my bodybuilding career back on track.
“I wrote an idea for a bodybuilding documentary series that I am willing to share with any producers.”
One thing Mutombo is known for is never giving up, chasing his dreams at all costs and fighting through any drama that may come his way.
“Planning does not always guarantee success, but it provides a road map for you to see where you are going. Clarity is power.
“If you can’t see where you are going, how will you ever get there? Don’t be too concerned with knowing the whole plan, it’s impossible.
“Like when you are driving, you cannot see from your house to the mall. You can only see 200m ahead. The rest you follow on the map.
“Things can and will happen. Maybe some potholes and accidents might occur but if you don’t plan, if you don’t map out something, you are bound never to arrive. You will keep drifting around.
“I miss you Benoni! Never forget to work hard, and aim high always!”
