POLOKWANE – Gr 9 learner Kwena Mohale of Technical High School Tom Naudé represented Limpopo at the Free State Open Fencing Championship in August, and he calls it one of his best performances at a national tournament.

Mohale took up fencing in December 2023 after his mom introduced him to the sport at a training camp hosted by the Sello Maduma Fencing Academy, the club he now represents.

When he learned he had been selected for the Free State Open, he was excited. The competition held special significance: it was the venue of his first national tournament.

“I felt that this was a do-over, and redeem is exactly what I did. Apart from winning silver in Cape Town in 2024, I feel this was my best performance at a national tournament. I’m grateful for the competition because it helped me identify my mistakes and gave me a platform to put into practice everything I’ve been working on in training.”

Mohale recalls feeling nervous as he stepped onto the piste for his first bout, only his second time competing in the u/20 age group. Winning that bout gave him an immediate boost of confidence.

He tackles challenges by analysing his mistakes and finding ways to correct them. He also enjoys seeing his own progress and celebrating his clubmates’ successes.

More than a sport

For Mohale, fencing is about more than sport. It has taught him patience, composure and discipline. Competing in foil and épée requires him to remain calm under pressure, while hours of training demand commitment and perseverance.

“Preparation for one tournament starts at the end of the previous one, which means about three months of hard work and dedication.”

He believes he has made significant progress in initiating attacks, with most proving successful. He is now working to improve his flick and parry-riposte, which is a defensive move in which a fencer blocks an attack before counterattacking.

Competing against fencers from different clubs has taught him that there is always someone working harder.

“No matter how hard you think you’re working, there is always somebody working harder. Don’t stop where you are; always push yourself further.”

Looking ahead

His mother remains his biggest supporter, and he is equally grateful to his coaches.

“I couldn’t ask for a better support system than my mom, and I am grateful for all my coaches.”

His immediate goal is to qualify for the South African fencing team, with the Olympics firmly in his sights.

Mohale is eagerly anticipating the junior nationals, scheduled to take place at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World in Limpopo in December. He hopes the competition will give him the opportunity to qualify for the national team.

Results for the Limpopo regionals (earlier in October):

• u/17 épée: gold.
• u/20 épée: bronze.
• He was captain of the junior team that received silver with a score of 45-41.
• He was awarded the male fencer of the year for u/15 and u/17.