JANSENVILLE NEWS - Gcinubuzwe Combined School celebrates Grade 10 learner Endinako Jola (16), who was recognised as an athlete to be reckoned with during recent meetings.
Not only did he win gold in 1 500m and bronze in 5 000m at the Cossasa Games in ESwatini over the weekend of 29 and 30 August, but his achievements at this event also qualified him to represent the Eastern Province in Mpumalanga at the South-African Championships.
Father-and-coach
According to his father-cum-coach, Luthando Sikiwe, Jola wins most of the Eastern Province Athletics (EPA) 10km road races, with a current time of 32:02, and his current record for the 3 000m school track and field is 08:53.
Sikiwe is an athlete himself and is known for his prowess at school athletics from 1997 to 2004.
He currently does road races and maintains an excellent record.
He is also involved in training in the communities of Jansenville and Klipplaat, where his attention to breathing, rhythm, movement and perfectionism, makes him the best trainer to have.
Proud
The proud father said he started in 2020 to train his son when he was in Grade 7, and during Covid times they even trained inside.
“My son made it into the history books of Klipplaat Primary School as the very first learner from that school to be awarded Eastern Province colours in athletics, and in the past three years he has been qualifying for the Eastern Province in Road running, as well as track and field, and even cross-country.
Our vision is that he continues his training to eventually become our own Olympic medallist,” Sikiwe told Graaff-Reinet Advertiser on the Sunday after the Cossasa Games.
“Endinako is now motivating more kids to follow in his running footsteps. Even though we lack sponsors, we fundraise to make sure he can attend events.”
Disciplined young man
A well-known member of the Jansenville community, Leoné Mulder, describes Jola as a disciplined young man who loves learning, reading and training.
“He really loves his books, and above all, he loves practising his athletics,” she says.
Endinako has also been an avid soccer player since primary school, and in addition represented his primary school in swimming.
Over the years he has developed into an excellent sportsman and athlete.
Sikiwe says he would love his son to be able to develop his talents fully, and although his son could really do with decent athletic gear (proper running shoes, spikes and training facilities) and assistance with transport, the family are doing their very best to help him develop into the world-class athlete that he already is.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
