POLOKWANE – Do you compete in sports competitions and are you competitive?
Coaches in the city share advice for when preparing for a competition.
Franco Welman, the chairperson and occasional coach at the Polokwane Squash Club says: “Never give up. The match ends not halfway, only when the the final set has finished. Fight right to the end. And keep working on your fitness, no person is ever too fit”.
Henri Eksteen, ninth dan Grandmaster at Eksteen’s Martial Arts Rainbow Nation’s Karate Club says if you dream it and believe it, you can achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
“Sports people should not let anyone tell them they cannot achieve their goals. Never give up on your dreams and beliefs. If your performance starts to dwindle, get up and continue fighting to reach your dreams, and follow the passion in your heart.”
Lesley Bonne is a rhythmic and artistic coach at Zani’s Gymnastic Academy. She recommends following a healthy diet to keep the body clean and exercising daily.
“If you combine a healthy diet and daily exercise, you will soon see that they actually work. Remember to always see yourself as a champion. A positive mindset from the inside reflects on the outside and that can make you a winner, even in your own right.”
Tommie Fouché, coach at the Pietersburg Wrestling Club and a former wrestler with national colours says to be competitive, you need to have a mindset to win.
“Don’t let your opponent’s previous achievements influence your mindset and don’t let them intimidate you. Take every tournament as you would take on a new day. Practise your techniques so that it can be like second nature to you when you apply it in contests. If you practise with passion, you will reap the fruit of success.”
