Young wrestler wins at national level
Thapelo Mkhabela (14) is part of the Mpumalanga Youth Wrestlers and won a gold medal at the National Youth Wrestling Championship in Tshwane recently.
eMBALENHLE – Fitness is not about body size and age, but is a result of the daily lifestyle and attitude, according to the 14-year-old wrestler Thapelo Mkhabela.
He recently won a gold medal at the South African Youth Wrestling Championships.
He said this was a result of living a healthy lifestyle, hard work, dedication and a teachable spirit.
Thapelo’s journey in wrestling began in 2008 when he developed an interest in this sport while watching his favourite television programme, World Wrestling Entertainment on E-tv.
He said when he began it was not easy, because his parents thought it was very dangerous and it might lead to him bullying other pupils at school.
“When my parents realised that I love this sport, they began to support me.
“My couch advised me to have manners and to behave well at school and home so that people see that being a wrestler is not about being aggressive.
“I am very happy that I have won and that my parents are proud of me.”
Mr Lucas Ngwenya, his couch, said Thapelo is a determined child and his future is bright in this sport.
“He made us all proud and his victory on national level is also a motivation to local fellow wrestlers.
“He is following in my footsteps as I also won this medal in September.
“We thank the parents of all the young wrestlers for supporting us and I encourage those who are interested, to join us.
“We have our practices every day from 5pm to 7pm at the eMbalenhle Sasol Recreational Club.”
