Cape Town - Renowned Cape Town cyclist Nic Dlamini visited a Masiphumelele based development programme that teaches high school kids cycling skills and education to inspire the youngsters.
The programme is the brainchild of former security guard Lubabalo Begala and Songezo Jim who had become an inspiration to youngsters in the community.
Begala said when he bought his first mountain bike from a friend in 2015, he had never entered any cycle race before. A year later, he said he took part in a cycle challenge in Johannesburg where he came 14th.
Five years later, Begala now shares his passion for cycling with the youngsters via his work at the Songezo Cycling Academy, Masi High and Ukhanyo Primary School, which now has improved sports facilities, including a cycling track and trains 50 kids.
“When I started working here, I saw a lot of changes in the children and I knew that I didn’t want to join a cycling club elsewhere because it meant leaving the kids,” he said.
Begala said he started cycling lessons with the learners after being approached by cricket legend Vincent van der Bijl, who spearheads the Masi Sports project.
“The children love cycling a lot now, and some of the other coaches have said that I steal their kids from the other sports, but I reassure them that they can come back to the other sports with even better skills. They do a lot of core work and spend a lot of time on the road, which helps them with fitness,” he said.
Bengela said the training was not only about bikes but about helping children set goals and build determination. He said their goal was to create sustainability so that generations of Masiphumelele teens and adults benefit from Masi Sports’ programmes.
Dlamini, who witnessed the sports facilities and coaching on offer at Ukhanyo, said he was impressed with the work the academy was doing.
“From what I have seen, they are doing a really great job here. It’s always nice seeing young kids getting the opportunity to get on bikes,” he said.
One of the young cyclists, 13-year-old Tyra Marasha said being taught to ride meant that one day she will be a champion.
“I love cycling. My parents said a girl can’t ride a bicycle, but I have shown them otherwise,” she said.
Cape Argus