Zak Neethling and Liam Fourie share a bond that goes back to their primary school days, where they shared love for hockey, cricket, and swimming laying the foundation for their enduring friendship and passion for sport. Today, the duo is using their skills and energy to make a meaningful difference in their community.
Having grown up playing the same sports, Zak and Liam have a deep understanding of the techniques and skills required to excel. Their focus is on bringing those techniques to young athletes in their small town, levelling the playing field for children who may not have access to top coaches and state-of-the-art facilities.
Zak and Liam firmly believe that there’s no age limit when it comes to learning and mastering sports techniques. Their mission is clear: to elevate the local talent to the same standards as those with more resources. “Our goal is to help small-town children reach the same level as kids who have access to better opportunities,” they said.
Their passion for sports is unmistakable, and their dedication shines through in their vision for the future. “We want to see this initiative grow, with more children achieving greater heights in their chosen sports,” said Zak. Liam agrees, adding that they were inspired by sports legends including Jonty Rhodes and Monty Haywood in cricket, Chad le Clos and Bradley Tandy, who is also from Ladysmith, in swimming, and Dayaan Cassiem in hockey.
When asked what sets them apart, they emphasised their youth, energy, and unique ability to connect with children on their level. “We both love these sports, and we have the passion, skills, and time to make a difference in children’s lives,” they shared.
They credit Magda Cullen as a key influence in their journey, guiding and supporting them every step of the way. With her mentorship and their unwavering commitment, Zak and Liam are determined to create a brighter future for young athletes in their community. Their story is one of passion, purpose, and the belief that with the right support, every child can shine.
