Child of fire competes for SA
AUCKLAND PARK – Sthabile Mnyandu sets off for the 2015 African Championship for Athletes with Disabilities to represent South Africa in table tennis.
Sthabile Mnyandu (19) has been selected to compete in the 2015 African Championship for Athletes with Disability in Morocco. Mnyandu will represent South Africa in the singles and doubles table tennis events. The championship will determine a rank that will allow Mnyandu to compete in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games if she performs well.
Mnyandu is a victim of severe burns and has previously required tissue expansion and a number of operations on her hands and foot. She is aided by the Children of Fire charity in Auckland Park. Overcoming her operations, Mnyandu stated that she has been playing table tennis since 2008. Modestly she explained, “I was just trying it out and saw that I had interest in it.” Mnyandu currently attends the Open Air School in Durban.
Mnyandu did not feel nervous about the upcoming challenge, looking forward excitedly as she mused, “I think I might do well.” After a frantic rush to renew her passport, Mnyandu departs for Morocco on 5 October and will return eight days later once the competition has been completed.
On behalf of the Children of Fire charity, manager, Mitta Lebakha states, “This is one of the proudest moments for us. For [Mnyandu] to rise up like that. We’d like to congratulate her.”
Details: Children of Fire: 011 726 6529.
