Tsietsi bodybuilder obtains top three positions at IBFF
His achievement in Pretoria was a follow-up from the first tournament called Soweto Development 2022, which took place at Soweto, on March 26.
Tsietsi-based bodybuilder continues to break boundaries and build a brand for himself in the International Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (IBFF) following his recent success at the bodybuilding completion in Pretoria.
Sandile Ramokgatla (21) a grade 11 learner from Thutopele Secondary School (TSS) has been training for over five years.
Although still a beginner, he shows determination to reach the top through his consistent performance.
He recently obtained two bronze medals after securing the third position during his second appearance in the IBFF in Pretoria on May 15.
Ramokgatla gave credit to the principal of TSS, Sengi Kubheka, and the teachers for making it possible for him to travel to Pretoria to compete by contributing towards his transport.
The 21-year-old said he did not know how he was going to fund his trip because he lives with a single mother and two others who are self-employed.
He said he did not even want to stress his mother about it, understanding that whatever she makes through her business is only enough to put food on the table for the family.
“I approached the principal to plead for assistance; he responded that he would make a plan when he then requested teachers to donate.
“With those donations, my partner, Siyabonga Monawe and I were able to attend. We did not even know where we were going, but we both wanted this,” said Ramokgatla.
He said this time around he was not just doing it for himself as there were teachers who helped him.
“I had to return with something to prove to them that this is the work I am doing so that they do not assume that I spent the money on other things,”
The pair experienced a turn of events on their arrival in Pretoria. Ramokgatla said they only knew of the affiliation fee, R350 to compete, but when they registered they needed to pay an additional R350 as part of the process.
“That is when we realised that we will not have enough money to return home. We took the risk and registered and were left with R4.10. The money we had was not even enough and they did us a favour because we only paid R450.
“After making so many sacrifices, I was happy to win third place, although I believe that I can do better. Another thing I have realised is that I motivate and inspire other learners and people and they were so happy for me,” said Ramokgatla.
One of the teachers from TSS, Ruth Tsoeu, says the school supports learners even if the activities they do are not academically related.
She said when a learner is passionate about something the school has to support them because some learners come from disadvantaged families.
There was no one to contribute towards Ramokgatla transport, she added.
“We felt that as parents and teachers to contribute towards this learner because he is very cooperative and he is always in the class, but there are other challenges. So, if he is good in this sport we need to support him,” said Tsoeu.
Ramokgatla’s class teacher Athi Peter echoed Tsoeu’s sentiments saying he is cooperative and she has never experienced problems with him.
“He started this in Grade Eight and has been progressing so well he views this as something to do after matric. We felt it is proper for the school to support him.
“We are so proud. Not only did he win for himself but, represented us as a school and it puts us in a good light,” said Peter.
His achievement in Pretoria was a follow-up from the first tournament called Soweto Development 2022, which is under IBFF.
It took place at Soweto, on March 26, where he received trophies and certificates for securing second place in the under 70 kg senior bodybuilding category and third place in the junior under 23.
Future plans
Ramokgatla plans to familiarise himself with the sport and to continue entering various competitions.
He said part of his plans is to compete in Limpopo before the end of 2022.
