Developing young athletes for success
The Katlehong Athletics Club coach works with the club’s juniors and is also a fitness and conditioning trainer by profession at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Bringing positive change to society through sport is Lwandise “Jomo” Mbhele’s objective. The Katlehong Athletics Club coach works with the club’s juniors and is also a fitness and conditioning trainer by profession at the University of the Witwatersrand.
“Working with young athletes is exciting because I get to be part of their development in sport and also combining that with their progress at school which gives them life skills.”
Mbhele started in 2017, intending to contribute to effecting change in the society through sport. “I saw a lot of young people getting involved in substance abuse. I am passionate about mentorship and since I work in sport, it was fitting to volunteer my services in our community and through the club, which I belong to.”
As a development coach, Mbhele said the challenge he faces is parents’ support towards their children. “As a community club, we don’t have enough resources to cater for every athlete due to lack of financial support from donors or sponsors to get running shoes for all our athletes. Working with school sport is also a challenge as most school teachers are not interested in talent identification with clubs.”
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He added it is interesting working with children as it allows him to also assist them with problem-solving and overcoming obstacles.
Mbhele said education is something Katlehong Athletics Club prioritises.
“I started running in 1995 and my career started in 2016. I studied exercise science and a national fitness certificate, worked at Wits University as a strength and conditioning trainer. I used to watch the Comrades Marathon and saw runners pushing themselves to the finishing line. That’s where I developed a passion to run as well.”
Mbhele trains community members at a tennis court in Ramokonopi and staff and nurses at Ramokonopi Clinic.
“I hope to one day be an athletics SA coach and produce national athletes to represent the country. As a runner, I want to go on and win the World Athletic Gold Status Marathon and the Ultimate Human Race.”
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