Four Firebird fencers wear the green and gold proudly

POLOKWANE – Four Firebird Fencing Club members were recently chosen to compete in the 2015 Commonwealth Junior and Cadet Fencing Championship in Cape Town, and in so doing, became Springbok fencers.

Club coach, Wallace Goosen said when he started the club three years ago, he hardly anticipated that four of the club’s fencers would become Springboks.

However, Wallace said the instructors and the dedicated students of the club were producing Springbok-fencer material with their hard work and dedication to the sport.

“There are six Springbok fencers in Limpopo and the club is proud that four of the six are from the Firebird Fencing Club,” Wallace said.

The four fencers who were selected to participate in the championship were Charl Venter, Emme-Jé Hatton, Moné McCabe and Anerique van der Walt.

South Africa was placed fourth overall of 21 countries that competed in Cape Town recently.

“The national championship will never be the same to me after having been part of the Commonwealth championship,” Charl said, while Anerique said it had been fun, and she had also learnt a lot.

Emma-Jé said she was nervous at first but it was one of the best experiences of her life.

“Wow, it was truly amazing and a wonderful experience that I will never forget,” Moné, who was also selected to represent SA in the teams’ event, said.

Wallace said they had started with nothing and came out on top. “Words can’t express how proud I am. I am very grateful to our sponsors, especially Franco Rabé from Crossfit Firebox who assisted with the fitness preparations, and not forgetting the parents for always being there and helping where they can,” Wallace said.

Club manager, Tersia Goosen said: “It just shows you, you can achieve so much in this sport if you put your mind to it”.

The Firebird Fencing Club encourages anyone who would like to join to contact Wallace at 083 379 6969 or Steven McCabe at 082 775 0184.