Local fencers ready to represent SA at African Fencing Championships

Five Limpopo fencers are among 23 athletes who will go all-out to fly the South African flag high at the African Fencing Championships to be held in Lagos, Nigeria from 1 to 5 March.
Four members of Polokwane’s Firebirds Fencing Club initially qualified for the national team but Michelle Butler broke her leg during the Festive Season and had to pull out. The club will be represented by Anokha van Manen, Jamie Norval and Cailyn Duncan.
Anokha and Jamie recently competed at the Soweto Open and brought back three gold and two bronze medals. The Soweto Open was a qualifier for the African Champs and Firebirds representative, Tersia Goosen said fencers are required to participate in four tournaments for ranking purposes. Mokopane based Eresabel Fencing Club members Emile Sinclair and Eben Wagner are the province’s other representatives.
Although the fencers are excited to have earned a spot in the national squad, parents are going to feel a pinch as it will cost approximately R60 000 each for the required gear, travel expenses and accommodation. Goosen said this was one of the struggles fencers’ parents go through every year because the club cannot secure sponsorship and none of the sports federations are willing to assist.
She further said fencing helps youngsters develop various life skills such as patience and focus among others yet the sport is not recognised to the same extent as soccer and rugby. Firebirds Fencing Club plans to host the Limpopo Open from 11 to 12 March depending on finding a suitable, affordable venue.
Goosen explained that Polokwane Municipality quoted them R12 000 for the Jack Botes Hall but the club does not have this kind of budget. She added that they used to host tournaments at the University of Limpopo free of charge but since the hall got hit by a storm they are stranded.
She called on companies to assist the club financially so that they can host the competition. Goosen said this will be the second edition of the Limpopo Open and they hope to attract fencers from all corners of the country and neighbouring countries.

Story and photo: ENDY SENYATSI
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