Key to success is in his athletes’ hands

Malinga Nkele, an athletics coach from Kagiso who gave up his dream of becoming a professional athlete to train children from his community, says that he has big dreams for this year.

“I told myself that I want to get five of my athletes, whom I describe as my champions, ready to compete at this year’s South African Schools Athletics competition.”

Malinga who trains children in the afternoon four days a week, says although his athletes trained and worked hard last year, he wants them to work and train even harder this year.

“I want to see them coming back with results that will make me and them proud.”

Last year he trained up to 25 children, but this number has now decreased to about ten children.

“I only work with children who want to train and be successful as I don’t have time to waste and to beg them to pitch up for practice. If I have to train only one athlete, I shall do that.”

He currently uses the school grounds of the John Martin Catholic School to train the children, and although the facility is not perfect for athletics, he says that he just has to make it work.

“I will do everything in my power to see to it that my athletes train.”

Malinga who is unemployed and has been training future athletes since 2009 says he does not worry about where his next meal will be coming from.

“I live for athletics and by the grace of God I am being fed. All I want to see is that these children get to follow their dreams – they are the ones who have the key to open the door to success.”

He says that they are in need of training attire such as tracksuits, tekkies and other equipment such as spikes.

Malinga can be contacted on 084 055 3914 if anyone would like to make a contribution.