Ambitious athlete is in pursuit of victory
Throughout the ages the habits of winners have remained unchanged, it seems.
English philosopher and statesman, Francis Bacon, (January 22, 1561 – April 9,1626) said many centuries ago, “A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds”.
One such a man is the young Aubrey Mabuza, a well-known local athlete. Time and time again he has proven that to be a winner, you have to create opportunities. He has not only applied this positive attitude to his athletic career but it is present in every aspect of his life. Not once did he curl up in a corner and said he couldn’t participate in a race because of lack of sponsorship. He went out and found sponsors.
Recently, Aubrey decided he wanted to take part in the varsity challenges at universities all over South-Africa. After making the necessary enquiries, he was told that he would not be allowed participation if he wasn’t a varsity student. This might have proven to be an obstacle to most, but not to Aubrey. He changed it into an opportunity and decided to apply for a bursary at UJ (University of Johannesburg).
It was granted and he will soon start his three-year diploma course in criminal justice. He only qualified for 50 per cent of the bursary loan, but will pay the rest himself. Being a student of UJ, means that he now meets the requirements to take part in these challenges around the country.
On April 15 he will run the 10 000 metres at the Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch. On April 21 he will take part at NWU (North West University) and on the 29th at UP (University of Pretoria). All these races will be run in
the attire of UJ, but in combination with his main sponsor, Barberton Ford’s logo.
Before the challenges kick off though, he will first take part in the 21,1km Loskop Half Marathon, and on completion of the varsity challenges, on May 3, he will do the 21,1km Sudwala Marathon. The big one, however, that he is
looking forward to immensely, will take place on May 7 in Uganda, where he will also do the 21,1km as well as his first 42km marathon.
According to Aubrey, the most challenging of all these races is definitely Loskop with its five hills featuring names such as Rhino Hill, Giraffe Neck and Forever Hill.
Another race he is passionate about is the well-known Longtom Marathon in Lydenburg which seems to have been cancelled due to lack of sponsorship. “This is really becoming a huge problem for athletes and I would like to know what is happening with the Mpumalanga Sports Council. Last year, before I left for the Great Ethiopian Race, I contacted the head of this council, Paul Mofokane to enquire about sponsorship.
I went to represent our country as part of the South African team and I feel they should have brought some kind of backing to the table, even if they just bought me a pair of running shoes! He promised to get back to me, but to date, I am still awaiting a response. I really think this should be investigated as I for one would like to know what they are doing with their funds. It should be transparent and currently this is not the case,” he said.
“It is difficult to find your own sponsors. I’ve never asked for money, not for myself or the teams I am involved with. I am very grateful for the businesses of Barberton and Nelspruit that have sponsored us in the past and those that are still giving their backing. Oom Duwies of NTT Toyota is always willing to help the youngsters as well as Barberton Ford, who is still my main sponsor.”
Aubrey plans on joining the army next year while still doing his criminal justice diploma. “I want to do something with my life besides athletics. I won’t stay young forever,” he said.
Wise words indeed for such a young man and with his positive attitude and love for life, he need not worry,
as his name will live on as that of a true winner.
