Bodybuilder Samkelo Nqoko (22) of Gamalakhe faces an uncertain future in the sport.
He started when he was 15 and has made a name for himself since then, but lack of finance is preventing him from taking his talent to the next level and competing against some of the best in the world.
In 2021, he qualified for the IFBB world champs in Spain as a result of winning his division (U23 and above 75kg) at the South African IFBB champs.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, he was unable to make the trip.
Even now, fans have been dismayed to read on social media that the upcoming OR Thambo Mtata Show will be his last one for the year, that’s if he can even get there.
The reason is pretty much the same – there isn’t enough funding available to sustain this, and he has gone as far as to appeal to fans for donations to make it to Mtata.
“I’m still struggling with finances and sponsorships, that’s why I’m cancelling provincial and national IFBB competitions this year,” said Samkelo.
The dream of going to Mtata can fall away, like the dream of going to Spain, if he does not get funding.
He is very determined and committed to work.
He is the man behind promoting IFBB bodybuilding in Gamalakhe.
Through it, he has helped people change their lives for the better in his home town.
That’s why he has made such an effort to empower those individuals, but he needs to be more financially stable to do so, in order to maximise the benefit to those around him, and to see his dreams come true.
“I am willing to help them not to struggle the way I did when I started bodybuilding,” he said.
Despite the difficulties, he said he would forever be a ‘gym freak’.
“Bodybuilding is my passion and the gym is like home.”
Anyone who may want to assist Samkelo realise his dreams, both locally and abroad, can contact him on 062 3296155.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
