By Bronwyn M Singh
Thirteen-year-old Lethokhule Mahaye is putting Newcastle on the map as the young athlete from Arbor Park Primary School was recently ranked third in KwaZulu-Natal for squash.
Well-spoken and motivated, Lethokhule is on his way to athletic stardom after attending the KwaZulu-Natal Squash Trials in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, where he won four of his five matches. He also attended the Inter-Provincial Squash Tournament in July which took place in Port Elizabeth.
Lethokhule said that he has always had a passion for sport. “I am a very active person and I love playing sport. My dad has also pushed me and helped me to be a great squash player and I am so thankful to him. He is my coach, my dad and my best friend,” he said.
Lethokhule said that squash is a very active sport and physical fitness is very important. “Squash is very demanding so it is important to keep a healthy lifestyle at all times. It also requires a great deal of time, practice and dedication. My coach, Fazel Shaik, has also been an inspiration. He teaches me the tactical and endurance part of squash and my dad helps me with the spirit and fitness side so I am very grateful to both of them for pushing me to where I am today,” said Lethokhule.
The young athlete has big plans for the future and would like to further his studies. “I have other plans of becoming a psychologist so that I can help people. Playing squash has also opened a lot of doors for me as I have obtained a scholarship to attend Maritzburg College so I am very excited about that,” said Lethokhule.
His advice to his peers is to stay away from drugs and to play sport. “It is important for the youth to keep active and to get involved in sports so as to not fall victim to drugs and alcohol. Live a healthy lifestyle and remain focused,” he said. The Newcastle Express congratulate Lethokuhle on his sporting achievements and wish him success in his future endeavours.
