Cape Town - Two University of the Western Cape (UWC) students are flying the South African flag high in Brazil where they are competing in the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Beach Volleyball Championship from September 6-10.
In the hopes of giving their best shot and bringing the title home, Tamlyn Thomas, a second-year BEd (foundation phase) student, and Lukholo Jooste, an education degree student, joined the South African squad in Maceió to compete for the Beach Volleyball Championship title.
Starting his volleyball journey at the age of 12, Jooste said that playing the sport prevented him from being influenced by negative factors as he was growing up.
"I started playing volleyball at the age of 12 through a non-profit organisation called Yebo Volleyball. They came to my primary school and introduced the sport to us. From there, they took us to trials at the Western Cape Sports School, where I was one of the learners who got selected. In 2014, I started training at the school, learning a lot from my coach, Clinton Stemmet, who is one of the best volleyball players in the country. As a school team in high school, we always looked up to him.
"I am so in love with the sport because it enables me to be more active and prevents me from being influenced by negative factors. Also, being at the beach every weekend is an amazing feeling, to meet lots of people and learn a lot from different individuals, which enables me to grow as a person," said Jooste.
Expanding on her gratitude at being selected to represent South Africa, Thomas said that knowing that one's efforts and dedication have paid off is both gratifying and an honour.
"It is both satisfying and an honour (to be chosen for Team SA), knowing that the sacrifices and hard work paid off. I also feel that there is a sense of belief from my coach and teammates for trusting me and allowing me to be in this position.
"Volleyball is one of the few sports where, as much as you are part of a team, your individual contribution can make or break a game. Thus, the fact that I can better myself with every game is great in and of itself. It also allows me to be as passionate and expressive as I want to be," said Thomas.
With Elmien Cloete selected as head coach of South Africa’s beach volleyball team at the championship, she added that traditionally, the UWC volleyball teams have always been a force to be reckoned with, so having UWC Sport members as part of the overall team travelling to the FISU World University Beach Volleyball Championship is not surprising.
"Testament to this is that both members of the South African beach volleyball men's team are UWC alumni. Despite having major successes at a provincial and university level, the sport does not receive the same level of support as other codes from the big wigs.
"It's only through more competition and exposure at the highest levels that athletes can test their skills. They can learn from their experiences, share them upon return, and improve all the time. Sport evolves all the time, and if you are not part of what is happening globally, you will always play the catch-up game," said Cloete.