I realised that I had to be independent at the mere age of 16. I remember early 2017, I joined Rowing Sports with my classmates, I was in Grade 8.

“Good afternoon class. Is there anyone who would like to join Rowing Free State club?”
our coach asked.

I remember I was still too shy as I was still new in that class.

“No one!” my classmates responded.

“OK I’m leaving thanks for your-”

“I want to join!” I interjected.

I looked down feeling scared.

“Hey don’t be shy you were born to do this, take a form,” approved my coach, as she passed the paper to me.

On the 24 March 2018, I was then introduced as the captain. We went to camps and trials; I was still the best player. One day I received a massage saying, “Vuyo I can’t coach anymore, I’m sick. Can you take over my team? I trust only you with it and I know you can do it for the team.”

I was shocked to see that and I called her.

“Vuyo, I hope you called to accept my offer?” she said, after exchanging greetings. I was not ready but I had to because I loved rowing.

“Yes coach, I called to tell you I’ll keep the great work with the team.”

I was glad to be a coach but hurt because I loved my coach. But I went to the first camp with the team and the second one I was introduced as a new coach at school. I was happy and promised to do the great job with the team.

Last year my team was from St Andrews Rowing Regatta Challenges for the first time in a while and we lost because of lack of funding to assist with training equipment and kits. I’m still going to go on a sponsor-hunting for my beautiful team. This year, 2020, we are registering rowers in an application form way to keep the team records and proof of players.

We also struggle a lot with transport for rowers who stay far away from school. They walk long distances after training and it’s even more dangerous for girls. So when there is a possibility for me to win I want to make a transport for them and fix other necessary rowing training kits. I also am a model and I love what I am doing for our gay community even though I sometimes struggle due to lack of finances but I still have faith in everything I do. I love my jobs!

Tell us: What do you make of Vuyo’s story?