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Up-Close with Vanessa Mohr

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Vanessa Mohr, one of SA’s swimming stars, shines brightly not only in the swimming arena but in life. She is balanced, dedicated and determined. She speaks with such wisdom, insight, and compassion about life issues like success, education, and being challenged. Vanessa truly leaves a rich message for the youth of our country and continent in her interview below. She is a strong academic studying B.Com Investment at TUKS at the moment and is to be saluted for her resolve and success in managing sport and studies. She has this to say about herself “ I’m an obsessive compulsive perfectionist passionate about fitness, art and calculus”. Vanessa is currently at the 2nd leg of the Grand Prix in Durban – all the best there!

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Athlete Bio:
Name & Surname Vanessa Mohr
Nickname Van
Date of birth 7 March 1995
Place of birth Pretoria
Current City Pretoria
Height 169cm
Shoe size 6
Club Tuks Aquatics
Name of coach Linda de Jager, Igor Omeltchenko & Claire Rolt
International events African Games (Congo, August 2015) & many other junior/senior events representing SA
Favourite city Barcelona
Favourite songs “Headlines” by Drake, “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles & “Radio” by Lana Del Rey
Favourite Movies “The Rum Diary”, “Cinderella”, “Inglourious Basterds” & “The Imitation Game”
Tertiary institution UP
Degree of study BCom Investment Mgt (2nd year)
Instagram @van_mohr
Names of parents Carin & Werner Mohr
Name of brother Marinus

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INTERVIEW:

Q: How did you get started in swimming and what has your journey been like up until now?

I started swimming when I was 18 months old. My passion and love for the water never died and I’ve been swimming competitively since age 7. Through the years many opportunities outside swimming came about, however in the end swimming always managed to stay my number one priority.

Q: Who are you? (Briefly describe yourself as a person).

 I’m an obsessive compulsive perfectionist passionate about fitness, art and calculus. 

Q: What is your greatest personal achievement in swimming?

I have competed internationally several times and every time I get to step onto the international stage I see it as a huge personal accomplishment. I think my biggest victory, however, lies in the amount of times I’ve gotten back up after being knocked down.

Q: How did you experience African Games last year in Brazzaville?

African Games was a learning experience for me, as well a time to make some decisions. I got some much needed motivation from my performances to launch me into the new season, and to train a little harder than before. It was also really inspiring to see how sport can unite a continent and bring cultures together, especially in Africa, and also to create an opportunity for developing countries to grow.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of education in a young person’s life?

Education is of the utmost importance in a young person’s life. I believe that every young person should have the chance to receive tertiary education through and together with sport.

Q: How has your faith journey affected your life and sporting career?

Excluding external motivation, we all need an inner drive and passion to guide us towards success in all aspects of life. Having a strong moral foundation and knowing what you stand for and believe in will always be the basis of success.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I love tanning, coffee dates, skiing and long naps.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”

Q: What is your favourite bible verse?

Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you”

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Q: What is your biggest challenge and how do you overcome that challenge?

Studying after a long day’s training or training after a long study session is definitely the hardest part of being a student athlete. Two Beroccas usually help (ha-ha). Oh and coffee… Lots and lots of coffee.

Q: How do you define success?

Success is defined by achieving a realistic, predetermined goal within a specific timeframe. Or at least that’s what the psychologists say. I believe success is finding something that is a source of true happiness every day, which motivates and drives you to become an extraordinary version of yourself.

Q: What is your “WHY” and how do you see yourself influencing the youth of our country?

I believe in doing anything for the love of it and if you can inspire others while you’re at it, even better.

Q: What is your message of motivation for the youth of South Africa and Africa?

If you do everything you do to the fullest of your potential, you will always reach the top, no matter where you started.

Q: What are your plans for 2016?

I’m currently training for the Grand Prix events in Durban and Stellenbosch during February. This should be great preparation toward trials in April.

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Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.

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Athletes to Watch: Clarice le Roux

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Clarice le Roux, one of SA’s trend setters and a youth inspirational figure, in and out of the swimming pool is one to watch out for in 2016. Young citizens that choose to be change makers no matter what their hands find to do is what uplifts and inspires our nation. All the best for 2016 Clarice as you pursue the new chapter at Kovies. The University of the Free State is blessed to have you not only for academic determination but also for your sporting excellence.

Clarice Photo Miracle

 

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Highlights of 2015? 

2015 was an amazing year for me. I was so blessed to represent South Africa at Fina World Champs in Russia.

Academic Plans for 2016

I will be going to the University of the Free State where I will be studying LLB(law).

Sports plans for 2016?

I will be joining a new coach at Kovsie’s and I am very excited to start with them. I will be swimming various open water events and I’m looking forward to SA Aquatic nationals in April 2016.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I am very excited to be starting a new chapter in my life, both swimming and studying at Kovsies.

What is your biggest motivation at the moment?

My biggest motivation in my life is to train with a purpose and to do well at Nationals. Furthermore, I want to achieve high grades in my studies.

What is your biggest challenge at the moment?

My biggest challenge is to leave my comfort zone and adapt in a new city and to a new coach.

What are you upcoming events where your friends and fans can follow and support you?

My upcoming events are 17th January  I will be swimming the Kovsies open water event and I have been invited by Sanlam to do the Sanlam Cape Mile on the 7th of February and as usual the open water and swimming pool nationals will be in March and April this year.

 

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Young Game Changers: Nduduzo Mfoza

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Our youth, is indeed our hope and this shines through so prominently  when I connect with brilliant young cricketer Nduduzo Mfoza. This young lefty and orthodox spinner comes from humble beginnings but is unstoppable in his determination to succeed. “I’m the person that comes from a disadvantaged background but that doesn’t stop me from chasing my dream. I’d like to see myself playing on the bigger stage and dominating, but that won’t just happen it will require hard work”.

Nduduzo Facebook

Photo used with permission form Insight Photography – Follow them on Facebook – CLICK HERE

 

 

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Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Nduduzo Mfoza
Date of birth 14 March 1997
Place of birth Durban
Current City Durban
Height 1.88m
Weight 75kg
Shoe Size 10
Club Crusaders
Coach’s Name Rob Clift
Secondary Sports Soccer, Hockey
Favorite City Durban
Favorite Song Drake- Digital Dash
Favorite Movie Southpaw
Sponsors Bellingham & Smith, Puma, and Futurelife.
Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

 @nduduzo_mfoza

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Nduduzo Mfoza fields during the 6th ODI between South Africa U/19 and Bangladesh U/19 at Chatsworth Oval on July 17, 2015 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo Credits : Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images)

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your Cricket tell me a little bit about how you started and your journey in the Cricket arena up to now?

My journey to cricket started when I was in primary school. Those were the times when we just played for fun and my interest in the sport started there. I carried on playing and I started to realize my potential in Grade 6. I took it more seriously, I didn’t have the best facilities and the best coaches but I had a drive to succeed and I was passionate about the sport.

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Cricket?

My greatest accolade in cricket is making the SA under 19.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education for our youth?

Education is vital, it can open doors for you and as a sportsman you also need education cause you’ll never know what the future has for you.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I like listening to music.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

A man is a product of his thoughts, what he thinks he becomes.

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Nduzuzo Mfoza walks off after losing his wicket during the 4th ODI between South Africa U/19 and Bangladesh U/19 at Maritzburg Oval on July 12, 2015 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. (Photo by Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images)

Q: When an athlete hits some “hard” / difficult patch in their sports career, what goes through your mind at that time? What advice can you give other Young Athletes in this regard?

Any athlete goes through  rough patches in their career. I think it is a matter of who is mentally stronger, and do you realize that you going through that patch. You must be aware of what you are doing wrong. If you are mentally stronger you will go through that patch quicker. Some people just give up but they do not know that these type of things are like a test, we get tested. My advice to the people is always stay patient when you go through a rough patch.

Q: How do you define success in life / how do you define a successful person?

Success is an accomplishment of an aim or purpose.

Q: What’s your WHY ?  Why do you do what you do?

Why do we always have haters? I’m doing what I do because I enjoy it and I want to make a living out of it. I want to be the person that changes other people’s lives and I want to give back to my community and also help the youth that need help.

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Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your sports and academic journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

Photo Credits: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images

NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.

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Olympic Hopes: Daniela Lindemeier

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Daniela Lindemeier, Namibian swimming sensation is wisely using the vibe and the momentum of this special Olympic year to sway her onward and upward, as he puts in her grind daily working towards the qualifiers and then the Rio Olympics itself in August this year. We are behind you and support you all the way as we connect our hopes to yours for this very special dream to become a reality.

PLEASE SEE EVENTS BELOW TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT Daniela.

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Highlights of 2015? 

It definitely was South African Nationals, in Durban. Where I managed two Fina B World Qualifying times. Another one standing out for me was All African Games (in Congo) where I managed three Bronze medals.

2015 was a great year and my utmost appreciation goes to the Davin Trust for standing by me and supporting me all the way! Special thanks to the late Mrs. Jeanne Davin who was my biggest supporter and mentor. I will forever be thankful!

The late Jeanne Davin with Daniela

The late Jeanne Davin with Daniela

Academic Plans for 2016

This year I’m still coaching in between my training sessions. My aim for next year starting my studies for biokinetics / physiotherapy.

Sports plans for 2016?

There are quite a few big competitions this year. The first one in Durban South Africa which is also a qualifying event for the Olympic Games. There are a lot of upcoming events that are qualifying opportunities for the Games. My focus has been the Games over the past years, so I will give it my best shot. It’s the biggest focus this year. After the Games, at the end of the year are the Short Course World Championships in Canada, which also always is a very exciting event.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

As for most athletes it’s the 2016 Olympic Games. I’m no different, haha. Looking forward to watching these and hopefully being a part of them.

What is your biggest motivation at the moment?

My biggest motivation right now (and has always been) personal improvement, in and out of the pool. To improve personal best times is all the motivation I need, it’s one of the best feelings, can’t be explained.

What is your biggest challenge at the moment?

This year a lot of athletes see as a make it or break it. As it is an Olympic year. Pressure is high it can take the best of you if you let it. It’s not always easy. To me personally I learnt a way to turn it into a positive and let it drive me in training and in racing.

The goal/challenge for me is taking off those splits in my 100m breaststroke to reach an Rio qualification. So staying as healthy as possible and to push my body to limit each and every day.

What are you upcoming events where your friends and fans can follow and support you?

For the first half of the year, my first competition are our Namibian National Championships in February 25 – 28.

Then in April South African Nationals. That I can say for a definite.

Through out the year whatever opportunity (racing chance) might come up I’ll go for it.

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Home Olympics 2016 Rio Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Olympic Hopes: Rene Warnes

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Rene Warnes is one of Swimming SA’s stalwarts with her eye now keenly set on the Rio Olympics, which is less than 200 days away. When our athletes go all out in their efforts to qualify it is our joy and responsibility as nation to lobby behind. They put in the hours when we sleep, they grind it out when we relax, they endure the blood, sweat and tears, so lets honour them on this road less travelled full of sacrifices and obstacles to achieve not only their dreams but also the dreams of a nation.  PLEASE SEE EVENTS BELOW TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT Rene.

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Brilliant Photo Credits: Neville Bailey Photography

Highlights of 2015?   

There were a lot of highlights with just as many low lights in the year of 2015. It is really difficult to choose just one thing to speak about that is a highlight. It was definitely a tough year in the swimming pool, but I am forever grateful for the opportunities that I did receive and I’m grateful for the lessons that I learnt in the pool.

Academic Plans for 2016

I am planning on finishing my Post Graduate Certificate in Education(Foundation Phase) this year – 5 more modules left to complete.

Sports plans for 2016?

Right now my main focus is on April 2016 – Rio 2016 Qualification Trials and then however that goes, I will take it from there. But for right now that is my absolute main focus.

What is your biggest motivation at the moment?

Getting to be able to compete at the biggest ever sporting competition in the world – it only happens once ever 4 years – 16 years of swimming is coming down to one year.

What is your biggest challenge at the moment?

Finding a balance between everything that is going on in my life and keeping everyone happy. Keeping myself happy and being able to find a balance.

What are you upcoming events where your friends and fans can follow and support you?

Grand Prix Events:

-Durban, Kings Park Swimming Pool, 05 – 07 February 2016

– Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch University Swimming Pool, 26 – 28 February 2016

– Midmar Mile – Midmar Dam – 14 February 2016

-SA National Aquatic Champs, 10-16 April 2016 – Kings Park Swimming Pool Durban

Further Reading on Rene here:

http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/fresh-hungry-rene-warnes/

http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/athletes-pay-tribute-to-their-dads/

NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.

Photo Credits: Neville Bailey Photography, please Like and Share his Facebook Page.

 

Home Olympics 2016 Rio Proudly South African Sports Swimming

Olympic Hopes: Carmen Le Roux

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With the Rio Olympics now only about 200 days away, it is time to zoom in, support and encourage our athletes as they prepare mentally and physically for the biggest event if their sporting careers. We kick of this series called “Olympic Hopes”, with the brilliant and on fire little champion girl – Carmen Le Roux, (Open Water Swimming). Carmen has been stoked over her last two meets, the Grand Prix 1st Leg in Nelspruit and this weekend’s Kovsies Open water event – taking Gold all the way! Way to go and all the best blessings for the Road to Rio. PLEASE SEE EVENTS BELOW TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT Carmen.
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Carmen on the Right
Highlights of 2015?    
  
I had the privilege of representing SA at two big events last year, I took part in the Open Water World Champs in Kazan Russia and I also took part in the Junior World Champs (swimming pool) in Singapore. These were two of my main highlights of 2015.
Academic Plans for 2016?
I will be taking a gap year this year to focus more on my swimming.
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Sports plans for 2016 Sports plans for 2016?
My sports plan is to try and qualify for Rio Olympics for the 10k open water and also to qualify for Junior Open Water World Champs in Mexico, I am also looking forward to the Midmar Mile this year!
What are you most looking forward to for 2016?
I am looking forward to training hard and to hopefully participate in more international events this year.
What is your biggest motivation at the moment?
My motivation is to train hard and to achieve greater results. I’ve got a good team around me which includes my coach, my parents, my physio and my mental coach.
What is your biggest challenge at the moment?
My biggest challenge at the moment is to try and qualify for Rio Olympics this year.
What are you upcoming events where your friends can follow and support you?
I am taking part in the Grand Prix in Nelspruit this weekend, on the 17th I will be swimming in Bloemfontein for the Kovsies open water, on the 7th of February I have been invited to swim the Sanlam Cape Mile, the 14th of February is the Midmar Mile and in March and February I will take part in the SA nationals for open water and swimming pool. Lastly, in June I will be in Portugal for Olympic trials for the 10k.
All the above is only possible with God’s Grace!
If we could become fearless, life would be limitless!
And I don’t want to limit God in anything I do.
Further Reading on Carmen here:

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Fresh & Hungry: Jonathan Draai

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Jonathan Draai, Eastern Province youth cricket champion did his province proud at last December’s prestigious Cricket SA’s 2015 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola U19 week (16-20 December 2015). Congratulations to him on passing his matric and on route to a wonderful new chapter. It is good to know of country’s future is in good hands with balanced and sound young adults the likes of Jonathan. He describes himself “I am a very private person. I have a really dry sense of humour. I like to think of myself as a friendly and decent person. I’d like to stay the same in the future and be seen as a friendly and welcoming person”.

Jonathan Draai Pic Formal

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PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA – 20 DECEMBER 2015: Jonathan Draai of Eastern Province during the match between Kwazulu-Natal vs Eastern Province at Gelvandale Cricket Club during day 5 of the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week.

Photo by Richard Huggard

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Jonathan Draai
Nick Name Jonno/ Johnny/ J
Date of birth 7 April 1997
Place of birth Port Elizabeth
Current City Port Elizabeth
Height 1.9m
Weight 85kg
Shoe Size 12
Club Grey High School and Gelvandale Cricket Club
Coach’s Name Richard Gilbert- School coach

Murray Ranger/Lyle Meyer- Coke week coaches
Secondary Sports Rugby, Soccer and Table Tennis
Favorite City Pretoria
Favorite Song/Type of music Eminem- Sing for the moment.

I like anything that sounds good really.
School & Grade Grey High School, Grade 12
Sponsors Bellingham & Smith
Twitter, Instagram & Facebook @jonnodraai
Parents Names, Siblings Parents- Karen and Benjamin Draai

Siblings – Kevin and Alex Draai

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PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA – 18 DECEMBER 2015: Jonathan Draai of Eastern Province during the match between Eastern Province vs South Western Districts at NMMU B during day 3 of the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week.

Photo by Richard Huggard

INTERVIEW:

 Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your Cricket tell me a little bit about how you started and your journey in the Cricket arena up to now?

I started at the age of 5 in my backyard. My older brother coached me from a very young age and it is through him that I’ve been fortunate enough to do so well in cricket. I played my first club cricket game when I was 11 years old for Ebenezer Cricket club against Old Grey Cricket Club. I managed to score 25 in that game. I currently play for Grey High School, Gelvandale Cricket club and the EP u19 Cricket team.

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Cricket and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

My highest accolade was receiving an award for being the best u/15 cricketer for EP after being the leading wicket taker at the u/15 national week in 2012. My greatest personal accomplishment was being chosen for the u19 SA National Camp squad.

 

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PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA – 20 DECEMBER 2015: Jonathan Draai of Eastern Province during the match between Kwazulu-Natal vs Eastern Province at Gelvandale Cricket Club. Day 5 of the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week.

Photo by Richard Huggard

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education for our youth?

It is vital for the youth of today to receive a good education as we are the future of the country. The more educated the people of our society are, the better off we will be as not only a country but also as humans.

Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?

I attend the New Apostolic Church here in PE. Both my parents are very religious so I have been brought up in a religious household. God has helped me through some really tough times and I think if it were not for my faith and church, I would not be where I am today.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I love gaming so I do that to relax; I also like playing some touch rugby or some footy to take my mind off things.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

“ You gotta wanna succeed as badly as you wanna breathe” – Eric Thomas

Q: What is your favourite Bible Scripture?

Trust in God – 1 Peter 1:21

Q: When you hit a hard / difficult patch in their sports career, what goes through your mind at that time? What advice can you give other young athletes in this regard?

Pray about it and never give up. Surround yourself with the right people and always keep your eye on the prize, regardless of the situation or what people say.

Q: How do you define success in life / how do you define a successful person?

A successful person is someone that is well respected not because of what he or she has achieved but because of the kind of person he or she is.

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Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.

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Fresh & Hungry: Xolisa Guma

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Xolisa Guma is one of SA’s strong links in the youth rugby arena. This KwaZulu-Natal champion winger, was named U18 Craven Week Hero of the Day (July 2015), after his side fought hard and beat the Golden Lions 18-16. A wonderful achievement, because this prestigious Coca-Cola Hero of the Day award is presented on each day of the tournament in recognition of a game changing ‘hero’ moment. He is humble, well grounded, full of faith for things to come, and with a lot of respect for the game, his team mates and his coaches, he says “You’re never bigger than the game”. I see in him such a dedication and relentless work ethic that success will have no choice but to join hands with him and journey into a bright future.

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Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Xolisa Guma
Nickname The Gugu
Place of birth Cape Town
Current City Pietermaritzburg
Height 1.87m
Weight 86kg
Shoe Size 11
Club Sharks u/18
Coach’s Name Kevin Smith
Secondary Sport/ sports Athletics
Favorite City Cape Town
Favorite song Jumpman by Drake
Favorite Movie Creed
School & Grade Maritzburg college, Grade 12
Instagram

Facebook

 @xolisaguma

Xolisa Guma

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Photo Credits:  Matt Marshall Photography

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your ­­­­ rugby, tell me a little bit about how you started in rugby?

Well I started playing rugby in Swartland Primary. That’s a school just 30 km out of Cape Town. That’s where I fell in love with the sport and since then I just wanted to score tries.

Q: Who are you?

I am an outgoing person easy to get along with. I always have a big smile on my face no matter what and I am really friendly.

Q: What is your greatest personal accomplishment in rugby?

My greatest personal accomplishment is playing Craven Week for the Sharks for 2 years in a row.

Q: What was your highlight of the Craven Week.

First of all I would like to thank God and my Craven Week team mates for not giving up. This was one of the best moments of my life. It was the first time my family came to come watch me play a live game. I learned that we should never give up and have to keep on trusting the Lord’s power until the end. I really don’t think that I will forget that moment, when I scored the winning try and getting the Coca-Cola hero of the day. This will forever be in my books.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education for our youth?

The value of education in a young person’s life is one of the most important one. If you are educated it can open so many doors in life. It’s a key thing to get an education because no one can take it away from you.

Q: Share a little about your faith journey?

My faith in God has a huge impact in my rugby and I think it’s one of the important things during my rugby journey. I have experienced so many things through Grace and I think if it wasn’t for Almighty God I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am so thankful and really I am blessed.

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Q: What do you do to relax?

I don’t like relaxing too much. I always want to do something that’s going to get me closer to my dream and when I relax my competition outworks me.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

We can never cheat the Grind for it knows how much we invest in it.

Q: What is your favourite bible verse?

John 3:16

Q: What’s your WHY ?  Why do you do what you do?

The reason why I am doing what I am doing is to take my family out of poverty. This is what drives me every day to challenge myself and not do what’s easy but do what will make me a better rugby player and person. I also want to give young kids in my township hope because most of them believe they don’t have what it takes to be great in their lives.

Q: What is your message of encouragement to South African/ African  youth and our nation?

I encourage youngsters to always challenge themselves. They shouldn’t do something easy. They should do something that will make them a better person and never stop dreaming because you have got what it takes to do whatever you dream of.

Q: What are you most grateful?

The thing that I am most grateful for is my talents I received from God. I will use those and always glorify Him.

Thank you

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Photo Credits:  Neville Bailey

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your sports and academic journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.

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Fresh & Hungry: Junaid Dawood

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Today meet young cricket champion Junaid Dawood. Many congratulations to him on his triple victory as he has just matriculated, and taken part in the very prestigious Cricket SA’s 2015 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola U19 week (16-20 December 2015) and was selected for SA Schools. Proudly a Rondebosch Boys’ student, a young man of much wisdom and dedication and definitely one to watch for his future career in SA Cricket. He has this to say about himself: “I see myself as a down to earth, competitive guy who loves cricket and who gives 100% effort whenever it is required”. All the very best for the new and exciting chapter in your life as you enter the world beyond school.

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Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Junaid Dawood
Nick Name Jammers
Date of birth 2 October 1996
Place of birth Cape Town
Current City Cape Town
Height 1.85 m
Weight 70 kg
Shoe Size 10
Favorite City London
Favorite Song/ type of music Magic by Coldplay ( or anything mellow )
Favorite Movie Django Unchained and Interstellar
School & Grade Grade 12 at Rondebosch Boys’
Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name Instagram – junaid.d

Twitter – @OfficialJD_96

Facebook – Junaid Dawood
Parents Names, siblings

 

 Ebrahim , Mariam , Fuzail, Mustapha , Muntaha

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Photo Credits:

Andre Ross

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your Cricket tell me a little bit about how you started in Cricket and your journey in the Cricket arena up to now?

My journey in cricket started from the young age of 6. My friends from around the neighborhood would meet up every afternoon to play a game of cricket in the road. The older boys even painted crease lines on the tar to make it more realistic. From there on I took a keen interest and basically fell in love with the sport. Attending a prominent cricketing school such as Rondebosch Boys’ gave me the platform to showcase what I have on offer and in grade 9 I made my 1st XI debut. I was then selected for the WP u19A cricket team in my grade 11 year which was a big honor.

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Cricket and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

My highest accolade was attending the South African u19 National camp earlier this year. My greatest personal achievement was taking 8 wickets for 7 runs in 9 overs against Wynberg Boys High School earlier this year.

J2

Q: What do you do to relax?

During my spare time I enjoy watching a movie or reading a book outside if the suns out. I also enjoy listening to mellow music.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

It is better to live for one day as a lion than for 1000 years as a sheep.

Q: When an athlete hits some “hard / difficult patch in their sports career, what goes through your mind at that time? What advice can you give other young athletes in this regard?

When an athlete goes through bad patches, he/she will begin to doubt themselves. This can be dangerous as doubt creates a downward spiral in performance. I use music to get my headspace clear and I also remind myself of all my good performances to trigger happier memories and to give me self-confidence. This has helped me get over bad performances or patches and could be helpful for other athletes.

J5

 

Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life / how do you define a successful person?

I define a successful person as being happy and content with life. And also a person who can put a smile on people’s faces and impact their lives positively.

Q: What’s your WHY ?  Why do you do what you do? Also,  looking into the future, what type of influence do you see yourself having on SA’s and our continent’s youth? / what example would you like to set for the one’s coming after you?

I do what I do because it gives me great pleasure to be on a cricket field and achieve my goals and to see my hard work pay off. Obviously it doesn’t always come off but that’s the nature of sport and that’s why we play sport – to keep testing our limits. In the future I would like to show the youth that humility and hard work are key ingredients to becoming a successful athlete. I wasn’t always the most talented cricketer but through hard work and dedication I was able to keep my feet on the ground and achieve many of my goals.

Q: What is your message of encouragement to South African/ African  youth and our nation?

My message of encouragement to the youth of South Africa is that whether you want to become a successful athlete, businessman or leader you need to have self-confidence. If you can believe in your ability then you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

J3

J6

 Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

Home Olympics 2016 Rio

Hello 2016: Fight the good fight finish the race

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The excitement and freshness of a new year always strikes a special cord each January. This year, add to that vibe a very unique ingredient – THE OLYMIC GAMES and wow, suddenly the thrill of it all starts to tingle. It will build such momentum and impetus as the days draw close that even the man on the street will have no choice but submit, celebrate, weep and cheer as the world goes into the Olympics mode, that amazing special ZONE, at Rio de Janeiro – Brazil.

This post is to encourage all athletes for the last patch lying ahead as they grind, strive, perfect, twitch and qualify for the Olympics. It is to say – to our athletes – Bon Courage – be strong of spirit and of mind, your 10 000+ hours have been duly noted and now it is time to finish strong and keep your heads up.

Rio new year postImage courtesy of xura at FreeDigitalPhotos.ne​t

The apostle Paul frequently spoke in Olympian terminology with both the runners and the boxers in mind. He knew full well that to be the best and to come forth victoriously that hard training and discipline was required.

‘Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it, a perishable crown…Therefore I run thus, not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body…lest…I myself should become disqualified’ 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

‘I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race…’ 2 Timothy 4:7.

For those not participating in Rio Olympics this 2016, remember to see the Olympics as a symbol of many things. A time for measuring self development, measuring progress, measuring purpose in life, measuring goals etc. So as the Olympians will be “tested” so let us too test ourselves this coming year and consider if we can answer this important question: ” have we fought the good fight, have we finished the race……..?”

 

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