Sibane Makhanya, a swimming coach at the Boksburg Aquatic Saints Swimming Club, had been dedicated to the sport from a young age.
Makhanya, who also coaches at St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, grew up in Durban and would swim with friends in a river.
This was until one day, when one of his friends got into trouble, and they had to pull him out using a stick. From that point, they swam at a public pool.
“We even lied to our parents about it and told them we were going to soccer practice,” he recalled.
In 2009, a lifeguard at the public pool noticed that Makhanya was getting faster and suggested he join a swimming club. Makhanya then became part of the Seagulls Swimming Club.
He was under the guidance of Graham Hill and remembers swimming with Olympic medallist Chad le Clos.
Makanya said he had a big admiration for Hill.
“I liked how the coach pushed me and motivated me to swim harder. I wanted to be like him and coach”
Later, Hill started coaching the little ones at the club and continued to grow.
Makhanya then became a coach at the Boksburg Aquatic Saints Swimming and Lifesaving Club in July, last year, and the head of aquatics at the high school at St Dominic’s School for Girls.
“What attracted me to the club was its history and what Wade Marshall accomplished with it. I am grateful to be here. I thank the school for the opportunity,” he said.
His vision is to ensure his swimmers thrive, willing to work hard and eager to learn more.
“I want them to believe in themselves and know they can achieve greatness.
To see new, talented swimmers at galas motivates me. It shows everyone has the potential to be a champion,” he added.
Proud moments
“It has always been my dream to go on tour with Graham Hill. I was selected as a coach to go to Congo for the African Games in 2015 with coach Igor Omeltchenko.”
Another memorable moment for Makhanya was attending the World Championships in Angola in 2017 with Hill.
“There, I had dinner with people like Penny Heyns, and it was an unforgettable experience,” he said.
Makhanya’s advice to aspiring swimmers is: “Swimming is for everyone. Be patient and listen to your coach.”
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