Athlete appeals for help to compete in schools nationals

Eleven-year-old cross-country sensation Siyanda Madlabane is pleading for funding to be able to represent the province at the South Africa Schools cross-country championship in East London on September 30.

The Siphethu Full Service School Grade Five learner needs running shoes, spikes, tracksuits and R5 000 for food and travelling costs.

According to his coach, Nkanyiso Mthembu, Siyanda’s performance during the year took everyone at the school by surprise as he has excelled at all the competitions he’s been a part of.

“When he started, I was still trying to figure out where his talent was because he’s a special needs learner. He has done well in athletics and we can see he is talented.

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“He is struggling in the classroom so that’s made us motivate and push him to focus on his talents to achieve great things so that he can have a bright future,” he said.

Siyanda competes in the 3km category in cross-country and he’s also a middle-distance athlete, specialising in the 1 200m track event.

Mthembu is appealing to anyone to help Siyanda realise his dream.

“I’m trying to gather donations to help him with this trip and also trying to get him someone who will be willing to sponsor or help him with tracksuits and running shoes.

“This child comes from a poor background. His parents and guardians are unable to provide him with the things he needs. I took it upon myself to get him the help he needs.

Anyone willing to contribute can contact Mthembu on 068 554 4549.

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