POLOKWANE – Two of the province’s top young fencers are preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime as they head to Switzerland for an international training camp from July 25-August 2.

Thabile Matheta of the Frans Mohlala Fencing Club and Gloria Bopape of the Ditlalemeso Fencing Club will attend the camp under the guidance of renowned fencing coach Philipp Pleier.

Both athletes are currently ranked number one in their respective categories and are members of the E Tla Natšo Youth Development Project.

World-class coaching and competition awaits

The training camp will bring together fencers from several countries and will feature intensive training sessions, individual and group coaching, and competitive fencing.

For Matheta and Bopape, the experience will provide exposure to world-class coaching methods, international competition and best practices in the sport.

Partnership opens doors for young fencers

The opportunity was made possible through the efforts of Limpopo Fencing Association (LFA) chairperson Dr Renuka Ramroop, whose work in building international partnerships continues to create opportunities for young fencers in the province.

Through these partnerships, Barbara Bruderer Eichberg, in collaboration with Fechtgesellschaft Basel, offered the two athletes fully sponsored places at the training camp. The Limpopo Academy of Sport also contributed by funding the players’ travel from South Africa to Switzerland.

Vision extends beyond the sport

Ramroop said the association hopes its partnership with Fechtgesellschaft Basel will continue to grow, creating opportunities for more Limpopo fencers to train in Switzerland while also welcoming Swiss fencers to the province in future.

“The vision for this partnership extends far beyond fencing. It is about developing social capital, building international friendships and creating opportunities for young people to grow into confident, capable adults through the sport of fencing,” she said.

Ambassadors for the province

The Limpopo Fencing Association wished both athletes well as they prepare for their international journey.

“We are confident that they will be outstanding ambassadors for the Limpopo Fencing Association and our province.

“We look forward to welcoming them home and seeing the new skills, knowledge and experience they will bring back to share with their fellow fencers.”

Ramroop added that their participation is not only a personal achievement but also an inspiration to the next generation of young fencers and an important step in growing the sport in Limpopo.