Spar Superstars Queensburgh News 2024

IT has been a busy few weeks in the pool for Northdene Preparatory School learner Lwandle Nzimande.

The Grade Seven learner recently competed at the South African Local Government Association (Salga) Level 1 swim trials at Kings Park Pool where she won one gold medal and two silver medals.

Just two days before, the 13-year-old also competed at the Queensburgh & Districts (Q&D) swimming gala where she came second in 50m breaststroke in the U13 age category.

“I’ve enjoyed the competitions because it has helped me get physically and mentally stronger. Through my coaches at school, I’ve been able to build up my technique and work on getting faster which has helped me. I also don’t mind not winning a medal as I learn from losses, too. It makes me more determined to come back stronger. I know if I work harder I’ll be able to push myself more,” she said.

Lwandle’s future goals are to make the KZN team, then the SA team and, one day, compete at the Olympic Games.

She is a member of the Beavers Swimming Club, and outside of swimming, Lwandle plays hockey, netball and soccer.

MICHELLE Msomi is always looking to improve on her performances in the pool and has shown that consistency and hard work pay off.

The Hillary Primary School Grade Six learner recently competed at the Queensburgh & Districts (Q&D) Championship Gala held at Northdene Prep.

She won gold in the 25m butterfly race and also won all of her races (four golds) at her school gala earlier this year.

Speaking on her success at the Q&D gala, the 12-year-old said she was proud to have won a gold medal.

“As I lifted my head for the final few metres, I saw no one around me, and my heart was beating fast. Then I heard people cheering my name and knew I’d won. I was really proud as I’ve worked hard this year,” she said.

Michelle also attributed her success to her coaches.

“They have helped me improve over the past two years and have given me the belief that I can do whatever I set my mind to,” she said.

Michelle has future goals of swimming for the KZN team and then the SA team.

She has also shown her smarts by receiving an Academics merit badge for maintaining 85% and above for her average across all her subjects.
When she’s on terra firma, she plays netball, tennis and athletics.

MOKGETHWA Mpja, or Mo as his friends and educators call him, is a Grade Seven learner at Malvern Primary who simply loves sport.
He is the athletics house captain at the school and also loves playing cricket and soccer and taking part in athletics and swimming.
“Athletics is my favourite. I love running. It helps keep me fit and is something I see myself doing for life,” he said.
“At school, I won best U11 Soccer Player last year,” he added.
Mo is also a member of the Billie Barnes Football Academy. His position on the soccer field is centre back.
Since Grade One, Mo has been an all-rounder, excelling in sports and academics.
“Natural science is my favourite subject. When I am finished with my schooling, I would like to be at electrical engineer. I also love technology and produce all As,” added Mo.
In his spare time, Mo enjoys reading and going to the beach. His favourite soccer player is Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior.

SWIMMING is a passion for 10-year-old Zayden van Bart and that shone through when he won all his races at the Champs Inter-school Swimming Gala held in Northdene recently.
The Grade Four learner at Escombe Primary has been swimming since he was in Grade R. That was when he discovered he had a talent, so he kept at it, following in his brother’s footsteps.
“I won four medals for butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke and freestyle. Each lap was 25m long, and I enjoyed it. My favourite was breaststroke because I really like breaststroke in general,” said Zayden.
Zayden also swims with the Make Waves Swim Club in Queensburgh six days a week and still prioritises his homework and studying.
He is a top achiever in academics, and his favourite subject is natural science.
“My dream is to swim professionally and to be an Olympic medalist. Michael Phelps is my role model,” he added.
Zayden also enjoys playing Fortnite and sometimes paints.