When Team South Africa’s Class of 2025 start their African Youth Games campaign on Wednesday, they do so with the confidence, backing and guidance of an Olympic gold medallist in their ranks, writes Mark Lemke in Luanda.
Sizwe Ndlovu, who was part of the awesome foursome which won men’s lightweight gold at London 2012, is in the Angolan capital as deputy chef de mission for Team SA at these African Youth Games. There couldn’t be a better person in this leadership role, a former rower who will go down in history as one of South Africa’s Olympic icons and the first Black African to win gold in the sport.
His task in Luanda? Supporting and guiding the next generation of athletes, aged 13-16 and who are looking to emulate the likes of Alan Hatherly (2014 mountain biking gold), Jo-Ane du Plessis (2014 athletics gold), Prudence Sekgodiso (2018 athletics bronze), Mustapha Cassiem (2018 hockey gold), Tatjana Smith (2014 swimming gold) and Herschel Jantjies and Grant Williams (2014 rugby sevens gold) who all graduated from these Games on their way to the biggest stages.
For Ndlovu, his role goes beyond being a task. This is his passion and his purpose. He has a desire to inspire, encourage, and develop the talented next generation of South African athletes.
“I never had the opportunity to compete in something like the African Youth Games. My rowing journey began when I was around these athletes’ ages. I hope to be someone they feel supported by and I want to make a positive impact in their lives,” he said on the eve of the Games starting.
The humble 45-year-old openly spoke about the difficult journey his career took and the lack of direction and purpose he felt before discovering his love for rowing. “I think I would have been lost right now if I didn’t find rowing. I never knew what I wanted to be. Sport took me away from trouble and taught me the principles that have led to my fulfilling life. Rowing loved me, and in return, I learned to love rowing.”
Ndlovu is fuelled by passion for the development of the next generation, “I found passion and purpose in doing what I love and I’m sure these kids love what they do. The African Youth Games will change their lives for years to come. There is so much talented youth in South Africa who do not have this opportunity to represent their country. I hope to help this squad understand the honour that is representing Team SA and influence them to be dedicated, work hard, and never lose sight of doing what they love.”
Ndlovu has left an incredible history-making imprint in South African sport and says he will “work until the day he dies,” to build his legacy as an inspiration to the youth which he will do through his work as manager and coach at The University of Johannesburg and his work as an expert in the development of youth in Africa and Europe for World Rowing.
The African Youth Games begin on Wednesday,10 December, and the South African icon cannot wait to support and inspire the young Team SA group.
