Athletic club appeals for sponsorship
Ngema (27) who is originally from Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), is eager to register his club "Lindokuhle Athletic Club" under the Central Gauteng Athletic but he does not have a cent to affiliate.
A local athletic coach, Innocent Ngema, is appealing to the local government, business people or any good samaritan to assist young potential athletes to participate in competitions without relying solely on their parents’ support.
Ngema (27) who is originally from Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), is eager to register his club “Lindokuhle Athletic Club” under the Central Gauteng Athletic but he does not have a cent to affiliate.
He urges local residents and government to make it a duty to sponsor athletic clubs for young people to be able to show off talent in championship level.
“Many talented athletes have been discovered by local coaches, however, we lack financial support to register for competitions which will help expose their talent and put Tembisa on the map. Remember some of these children are from disadvantaged families whereby their parents cannot always make it possible for us to join in competitions. Most of the young people do not have running shoes and kits not to forget the required nutritional food that they are supposed to eat on a daily basis,” says Ngema.
Even worse, Ngema, said he is failing to attend to coaches conferences so that he can learn more techniques about athletics due to lack of finance.
He added Tembisa is blessed with good coaches, gifted athletes and cyclists, stressing that a lack of finance and support only destroys the courage within them.
“It is every person’s dream for their talent to be recognised coast-to-coast. My aim is to develop these youngsters and swing their minds from negative things such as alcohol, drugs and peer pressure. And that can only be achieved with the support of the community,” added Ngema.
Lindokuhle Athletic Club is currently training 52 athletes and 72 cyclists at Thafeni Park every Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 5pm.
On Saturday Ngema, together with his athletes, trains at Germiston Lake’s Parkrun since it’s well-developed.
“In Tembisa, we have a challenge of a Parkrun “measured” whereby athletes can practice easy and safe on a daily basis, and develop the required instructions,” he said.
Several of his athletes are taking part in CGA Cross Country league.
Ngema is also volunteering coaching learners of Thuthukane, Maziqhakaze and Ingqayizivele Secondary Schools in athletic.
Anyone who would like to sponsor Lindokuhle Athletic Club can contact Innocent Ngema at 078 876 5576 or 063 102 1935.
