KZN figure skaters set to showcase talent
For the first time in six years, KZN will be sending a team of 10 athletes to compete in Gauteng.
Skaters from different parts of South Africa will soon come together for a celebration of talent, development and competitive excellence.
From March 15 to 17, the Gauteng Inter-Provincial Figure Skating Championships will take place at the Forrest Hill Ice Rink in Pretoria. For KZN skaters, this event marks a powerful milestone in a long and determined journey of rebuilding figure skating in the province.
As per the KZN Figure Skating group, in 2022, the province had just one skater competing at an inter-provincial championship. In 2023, that number grew to two. Now, for the first time in six years, KZN will proudly send a team of 10 athletes to compete in another province.
“This is a historic moment for KZN figure skating and a reflection of steady progress, long-term commitment, and belief in rebuilding the sport properly and sustainably,” said chairperson Jo Cossavella.
The Gauteng Stars of Tomorrow 2026 platform will allow young and emerging skaters to compete, pass tests and showcase their skills.
Representing this category for KZN are Mzande Mduli from Pennington (learner at Crawford College La Lucia International), Alex Bothma (Athlone Park Primary School) and Letho Gwala (Amanzimtoti Primary School).
Pennington’s Mzande first got onto the ice on February 15, 2024.
“I love being able to do elements of skating that I had only dreamed about on my journey of starting to skate,” said the youngster.
“In terms of challenging aspects, for me it’s trying to remember little mistakes that impact greatly on my programmes, but I manage to learn from them and get better the more I practice.”
In the championship category of the Competitive Solo Figure Skating Section, KZN will be represented in the silver division by Cassidy Baker from Scottburgh (home schooled), Tanique Jansen (Think Digital Academy), Amarah Peer (George Campbell School of Technology), Isabella Reyneke (UCT Open School) and Mia Stannard (Kuswag High).
Scottburgh’s Cassidy began skating in 2022 and if it were possible, she would love to be on the ice 24/7!
“What I enjoy most is to step on the ice and have the freedom to push myself and to achieve my goals that I have set for myself,” she said.
She mentioned that she also enjoys perfecting every move she makes, which in the long run will help her achieve her dream one day.
Competing in the gold division is Ester Horne (Kuswag High) and Zach Morgan (Genz Cyber Academy).
“Every skater and every parent is part of this journey, and together, we continue building a stronger future for figure skating in KwaZulu-Natal,” added Jo.
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