INSIDE CIRCLE (Volume 1, Issue 1) APRIL 2017 Page 02

INSIDE CIRCLE (Volume 1, Issue 1) APRIL 2017 See page 25 PUBLISHER: Gussie Bartlett // EDITOR: KleinJan Combrinck

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

• SAWF National Trials 2017 03

• SAWF Prize giving 2017 08 Custom made trophies

• SAWF Executive Management 2017-2020 10 See page 30 • SAWF Wrestlers’ Representatives 12

• German exchange team 2017 13

• Duane Van Zyl - Road to Recovery 16

• Mpho Madie – Straight out of Benoni 26 Sublimated Sports Clothing • SAWF athlete profile – Leanco Stans 33

• SAWF Head Coach - Nico Coetzee 35 See page 55

• Team SA – African Championships 2017 44

• Leanco Stans – Finland Scholarship 53

• TUKS Challenge 2017 56

• Reach for a dream foundation 57

• Eastern-Gauteng Open 2017 58 Wrestling Shoes & Apparel

• Mpumalanga Open 2017 59 See page 63

• UPCOMMING EVENTS 60

• Must-see Movie – Dangal 2016 62 Branded Sports Apparel and Marketing Website : http://wrestling.org.za/

Facebook : South African Wrestling Federation • Charles Fillet

• BULLETJIE WRESTLING Twitter : SA Olympic Wrestling / @RSAwrestling

• High Veld Hawks League Instagram : @RSAwrestling • SA Presidents & Masters Championships 2017 Page 03

On Friday, 24 February 2017, in a very wet but beautiful Secunda, a total of 146 male and female wrestlers registered and weighed in for the 2017 SAWF National Trials. The Mpumalanga Wrestling Association had the privilege of hosting this years National Trials, which took place on Saturday, 25 February 2017 at the Sasol Recreational Hall in Secunda.

The National Trials is held at the beginning of every wrestling year, and plays a crucial part in the selection of the Cadet, Junior and Senior National teams, in this case wrestlers competed for a chance to participate at the 2017 Continental Championships. It’s important to remember that 1st place at the trials does not promise wrestlers a spot on the National team. During the total selection process the SA Coaches Committee (SASAR) takes various aspects into account before announcing the final Team, therefore wrestlers need to fulfil more requirements in order to secure their spot on the National Team.

It is worth mentioning that for the first time wrestlers were only allowed to participate in 1 category, which meant that each male wrestler had to choose between Greco-Roman and Freestyle.

The National Trials saw a total of 156 entries, but with 8 withdrawals, the total came down to 148 entries. Several late entries were accepted and wrestlers whom didn’t make their weight for which they registered was also allowed to make weight changes, it was clear throughout the hall that everyone had their own opinion about this. The reason why there were more entries than wrestlers is as a result of wrestlers within the Cadet and Junior categories also entering for the Junior and Senior categories respectively.

On Saturday, 25 February 2017 at ± 08h00 the opening ceremony commenced with all wrestlers and officials gathering on the Mats.

The matches took place on three Mats and the 1st, programs for all the Mats were available even before the Ceremony started.

There were unfortunately no warm up Mats available due to the congested space available in the hall, but the food, parking and toilets were sufficient.

The television rulings were done centrally on Mat 2 and sometimes appeared time consuming, but there were no major problems, incidents or injuries reported for the day.

The matches were fast, furious and in some cases heated, but it is clear from the feedback and the results that Wrestling was the winner at end of the day.

The only thing that everyone must digest and get used to is the fact that male wrestlers can only enter for 1 category.

Article by Dirk Booysen

Page 05 SAWF NATIONAL TRIALS RESULTS :

Freestyle 1st Place PROV 2nd Place PROV 3rd Place PROV 4th Place PROV Qty 57 kg Coetzee, Marco GEW Tau, Tanki NWW Vermeulen, Rudolph MPUM Duvenhage, Marius CGW 57 – 61 kg Combrinck, KleinJan KZN Coetzee, Gert GNW White, Robbie GEW Duvenhage, Niel CGW 5 61 – 65 kg Van Rensburg, Terry LSV Smith, Ivan GEW Steenberg, Anton GNW Mathulega, Frans NWW 4 65 – 70 kg Botha, Hanru LSV ------1 70 – 74 kg Geringer, Zander GEW Roets, Roedie LSV De Beer, Josef GNW - - - - 3 74 – 86 kg Janse Van Rensburg, Hein WPW Marais, Dylan GNW Gaitskill, Michael GEW Schutte, Callie GNW 5 86 – 97 kg Erasmus, Martin GEW Van Zyl, Justin CGW Beneke, Rynhardt GNW - - - - 3 97 – 125 kg Schutte, Willem MPUM ------1

Greco-Roman 1st Place PROV 2nd Place PROV 3rd Place PROV 4th Place PROV Qty 59 kg Fonteini, Justinus NVS Kidson, Brandon GNW Chochi, Gift GNW Makasi, Ponie NVS 6 59 – 66 kg Gregory, Leonard GNW Mabena, Abongile WPW Bosman, Christopher BOL van der Merwe, Ejan GEW 4 66 – 71 kg Alberts, Tobie (Jnr) GEW ------1 71 – 75 kg Bellingan, Ernst MPUM ------1 75 – 80 kg Van Zyl, Dean CGW ------1 80 -85 kg ------0 85 – 98 kg Butters, Wesley GNW ------1 98 -130 kg ------0

Female 1st Place PROV 2nd Place PROV 3rd Place PROV 4th Place PROV Qty 48 kg Coetzee, Bernice GNW ------1 48 - 53 kg ------0 53 - 55 kg ------0 55 - 58 kg ------0 58 - 60 kg ------0 60 - 63 kg Stans, Leanco GNW ------1 63 - 69 kg Oosthuizen, Marie KZN Mbongo, Stix NWW ------2 69 - 75 kg ------0 Page 06 SAWF NATIONAL TRIALS RESULTS :

BORN 1997 - 1999

Freestyle 1st Place PROV 2nd Place PROV 3rd Place PROV 4th Place PROV Qty 46 - 50 kg Beukes, Jason BOL Farao, Gershwin WPW Ramusandiwa, Nervels GNW - - - - 3 50 - 55 kg Louw, Reynhardt GNW Venter, Chris MPUM Van Schalkwyk, Nicol BOL Adonis, Andre WPW 5 55 - 60 kg Meyer, Luco GNW ------1 60 - 66 kg Ludick, JJ GEW Ngoepe, Obed GNW Van Schalkwyk, Wihan GNW - - - - 3 66 - 74 kg Roets, Roedie LSV Bartlett, Matthew GEW Van Der Walt, Henry GNW - - - - 3 74 - 84 kg Marais, Dylan GNW Kriel, Jacques GEW ------2 84 - 96 kg De Beer, Judah GNW Bowles, Cameron GNW ------2 96 - 120 kg Kotze, Jean-Jacques WPW ------1

Greco-Roman 1st Place PROV 2nd Place PROV 3rd Place PROV 4th Place PROV Qty 46 - 50 kg Bontsi, Daniel GNW Ndyiba, Viwe WPW ------2 50 - 55 kg Kidson, Brandon GNW ------1 55 - 60 kg Van Den Berg, Nico MPUM Muller, Arghale CGW Smit, Neels MPUM Venter, Miguel MPUM 5 60 - 66 kg ------0 66 - 74 kg Fat, Elliot NWW Westraadt, Ce-Jade EPW ------2 74 - 84 kg Grobler, Machiel CGW Nel, Ian LSV ------2 84 - 96 kg Fouche, Nico CGW Butters, Wesley GNW ------2 96 - 120 kg ------0

Female 1st Place PROV 2nd Place PROV 3rd Place PROV 4th Place PROV Qty 40 - 44 kg ------0 44 - 48 kg ------0 48 - 51 kg Prins, Jocelyn EPW ------1 51 - 55 kg ------0 55 - 59 kg Smit, Cheyenne GEW ------1 59 -63 kg Stans, Leanco GNW ------1 63 - 67 kg Oosthuizen, Marie KZN ------1 67 - 72 kg ------0 Page 07

SAWF NATIONAL TRIALS RESULTS :

BORN 2002 - 2000

Freestyle 1st Place PROV 2nd Place PROV 3rd Place PROV 4th Place PROV Qty 39 - 42 Kg Booysen, Fernando GEW ------1 42 - 46 Kg Ludik, Jacques BOL Myburgh, Leon GNW Howard, Maruchell NVS Mpotulo, Asakhe WPW 5 46 - 50 Kg Human, Hennie NCW Behr, Wiets NVS Pretorius, Morne CGW Sinovich, Tade GNW 4 50 - 54 Kg Lehmkuhl, Mika GNW Stander, Tiaan GEW Swart, WG GEW - - - - 3 54 - 58 Kg Nortje, Frederik GNW Kruger, Wessel BOL ------2 58 - 63 Kg Rossouw, Francois LSV Coetzee, Xander BOL Macgregor, Xander GNW Roos, Ockert GNW 9 63 - 69 Kg Viljoen, Marco GNW Van Niekerk, Crowther SFW Rheeder, Leam GEW Paich, Jacques BOL 6 69 - 76 Kg Botha, Ruan GNW Strydom, Hanco BOL Dvoulety, Ondrej GEW Du Toit, Jaco GNW 6 76 - 85 Kg Kriel, Jacques GEW Le Roux, Christiaan GNW Kruger, Jared Gerhardus NVS Joubert, Keegan WPW 4 85 - 100 Kg Le Roux, Jaco GNW Kotze, Jean-Jacques WPW ------2

Greco-Roman 1st Place PROV 2nd Place PROV 3rd Place PROV 4th Place PROV Qty 39 - 42 Kg Botha, Riehan CGW Du Toit, Niel GNW ------2 42 - 46 Kg Hattingh, Marais LSV ------1 46 - 50 Kg Lubesi, Tharollo GNW Botha, Damian GEW ------2 50 - 54 Kg Kok, Lu-Shawn NVS Groenewald, Rhyno SFW ------2 54 - 58 Kg Smit, Johny MPUM ------1 58 - 63 Kg Van Den Berg, Ruben GEW Momberg, Rohan GEW De Wet, Os KZN Le Roux, Theo LSV 5 63 - 69 Kg Briers-Louw, Daniel BOL Maree, Bernard SWF ------2 69 - 76 Kg Lessing, Edward GEW Grobler, Machiel CGW ------2 76 - 85 Kg ------0 85 - 100 Kg ------0

Female 1st Place PROV 2nd Place PROV 3rd Place PROV 4th Place PROV Qty 36 - 38 kg ------0 38 - 40 kg ------0 40 - 43 kg Brown, Lesleanne EPW ------1 43 - 46 kg Coetzee, Sharice GNW ------1 46 - 49 kg Zandberg, Lezandri GEW ------1 49 - 52 kg ------0 52 - 56 kg ------0 56 - 60 kg ------0 60 - 65 kg ------0 65 - 70 kg Van Tonder, Mariska NCW Malki, Zaynah SED ------2 Page 08

Photo: Mr. Linda Zwane with the 2016 Wrestlers award winners

Top Wrestlers and Officials Honoured!

During the evening of 25 February 2017 and after a very successful and entertaining National Trials, the focus shifted to the S.A.W.F Annual Awards for 2016.

The event was held in the Main Hall of the Sasol Recreation Club, in Secunda and the first guests started arriving just after 17h00. The dress code was formal and all the guests were received by a very friendly hostess named Gussie Bartlett, whom treated everyone to some Sherry and Juice. Gussie carefully planned the event and it was clear that her arrangements were perfect as always. Mr. Corrie v d Walt whom is one of the Vice Presidents of the S.A.W.F acted as the master of ceremonies for the evening. The proceedings started off by the Welcoming address by Mr. v d Walt, which was followed by the President, Mr. Sakkie Bosse’s address, after which Mr. Linda Zwane, the President of Mpumalanga Sports Council also addressed all the guests. Guests were also entertained by music and dancing done by some of the guests, during the evening. A three course meal was served and the evening was divided into three parts for the “Handing over of awards”.

The first recipients were the SA Colours for Officials : Mr. Manie v d Berg handed over National colours to Mr Sakkie Bosse handed over National five Administrative Officials; Colours to 14 Team Managers

• Danel de Wet KZN • Bevon Jansen van Vuuren SED • Itha de Jager MPUM • Elize Behr NV • Anna Savrda NG • Johan Swart EG • Shani Bartlett EG • Santie van Baalen EG • Shaun Bartlett EG • Richard Bode NG • Esmarie Stans NG Mr. Arnold Germishuizen handed over National • Florence Deysel MPUM Colours to one Health, Safety and Security Official. • Michael Lehmkuhl NG • Ben Visagie WP • Andrea Sandenbergh NG • Jacquelyne J V Rensburg NG Mr. Willem Giliomee handed over National Colours • Priscilla Coetzee NG to five Referees. • Mariana Kriel NG • Shaun Bartlett EG • Maria Botha SED • Christiaan Bresler WP • Johan Kotze WP • Fanie de Jager MPUM • Danie de Wet KZN

The last recipient in this category received his National colours as a Couch Instructor, and was handed over by Mr. Nico Coetzee. • Marco Coetzee EG Page 09 The second category for awards was Exceptional and Honorary awards for Officials and Mr. Sakkie Bosse handed over these awards;

Exceptional: • Gussie Bartlett Administrative EG • Sias Botha Referee CG • Bertus Lottering Referee SED • Johan Voigt Referee EG

Honorary: • Jacoba Alexander Administration BOL • Wilna Geringer Administration Mpum • Martie Savrda Administration NG • Sylvia van Zyl Administration CG • Hennie Claassen Referee SF

The final and most interesting category was certainly the Wrestlers Awards, and Mr. Zwane handed over the awards to the recipients;

• Cadet Women’s Wrestler of the Year Cheyenne Smit EG • Cadet Freestyle Wrestler of the Year Zander Coetzee BOL • Cadet Greco Roman Wrestler of the Year JJ Ludick NG • Junior Women’s Wrestler of the Year Patricia Theledi CG • Junior Freestyle Wrestler of the Year Dylan Marais NG • Senior Women’s Wrestler of the Year Jeannie Coetser EG • Senior Freestyle Wrestler of the Year Martin Erasmus EG

Congratulations to all award winners for 2016!

A big word of thanks needs to go out to Gussie Bartlett, whom once again organized a spectacular event. Page 10

New SAWF Executive Elected

The South African Wrestling Federation made history this year when the final member of their new Executive was selected. Jeanne- Marie Coetser is the first female VP in the federation’s history.

The 29 year old finished high school in 2004 and moved on to the university of Johannesburg where she completed a BCom in economics and econometric, and more recently a Cumlaude Honours in sports Management. Her involvement in wrestling started at the age of 15; she is still active on the mat as a wrestler as well as a coach. She has represented SAWF at an international level since 2007, competing at Continental Championships, All African Championships, Commonwealth Games and Wold Championships. Jeanne can add various medals at international level to her name with the silver at the All African Games in 2015 as her pride and joy. She worked herself up as a coach and is currently a provincial instructor at Eastern Gauteng Wrestling.

From the start she has been an advocate and ambassador for the sport of wrestling. In her research project; "The status of women's Olympic wrestling in the context of South Africa"; Jeanne took another step towards bringing women's wrestling into the spotlight. She has been a constant advocate for breaking down the stereotypes about women in our sport, and has been working closely with others in trying to increase the number of female athletes participating in Olympic wrestling.

Over the years Jeanne has participated in a variety of different sports including Judo; where she received her North West colours and came second at SAs in 1997. She has a green belt in Karate, came first at SAs in 1997 and between 2005 and 2006 she taught Karate at Nursery schools. In kickboxing she came second at the WAKO world junior championships in 1998 and had achieved a black belt in kickboxing under the IKF and WAKO at the age of 16. Her participation in the sport of boxing from the age of 12 was also pioneering and brought about a number of first for woman boxers in South Africa.

Not only is she the first woman to be elected as the SAWFs Vice President but she is also the first woman to be elected to the executive committee. Jeanne-Marrie is many things; she is an athlete, a coach, a role model, an advocate for change, but more importantly she is an inspiration to other female athletes. With development as her main portfolio in her new position, she has her work cut out for her, a challenge she welcomes with open arms. Page 11

Executive Management 2017-2020

Honorary President – Jannie Taljaard President – Sakkie Bosse Vice-President – Charles Villet Vice-President – Corrie Van Der Walt Vice-President – Jeanne-Marie Coetser Secretary-General – Manie van den Berg Treasurer – Shaun Bartlett Assistant to the Treasurer & Secretary General – Monine Smith

Chairperson of the Officials’ Council – Willem Giliomee Chairperson of the Coaches’ Council – Nico Coetzee Chairperson of the HSS Council – Arnold Germishuizen Chairperson of the Team Managers’ Council – Michael Luff Chairperson of the Media and Marketing Committee – Gussie Bartlett

Officials’ Council 2017-2018 Coaches’ Council 2017-2018

• Vice Chairperson – Herman Lourens • Vice Chairperson – Bennie Labuschagne • Secretary – Gawie de Beer • Secretary – Esta van Zyl • Additional Member – Elize Grobler • Additional Member – Tubby van den Heever • Additional Member – Johan Smith • Additional Member – Gertjie van der Merwe • Additional Member – Danie de Wet • Additional Member – Reinhard Bosse • Additional Member – Charles Villet • Additional Member – Marius Geldenhuys • Additional Member – Markus Dekker • Additional Member – Hansie Kruger HSS Council 2017-2018

• Vice Chairperson – Makkie van der Merwe Team Mangers’ Council 2017-2018 • Secretary – Pieter van Blerk • Additional Member – Fred Brewis • Vice Chairperson – Hein Els • Additional Member – Ben Visagie • Secretary – Irene Schutte • Additional Member – Dirk Booysen • Additional Member – Lizzy de Wet Admin Council 2017-2018 • Additional Member – Marcel de Wit • Vice Chairperson – Gussie Bartlett • Additional Member – Dalene Sandenbergh • Secretary – Lollie van den Berg • Additional Member – Alet Steenberg • Additional Member – Festa de Beer Life Long Honorary Members

• Johan du Plessis • Callie Calitz Legal Advisor to the SAWF • Ronnie van Rooyen • Adv Pieter van der Schyff • Dirkie Kotze • Sarel Steyn • Sarel Bester Medical Advisor to the SAWF • Hennie Westraat • Sarel Smit • Dr Francois Visser • Cobus Minnaar Page 12

The Voice of the Wrestlers – The SAWF’s Athlete’s committee comprises of two wrestlers, the Wrestler’s Representatives. They were voted for by the wrestlers at national training events, and are advisors to the wrestlers but also advisors to management, where their role is to ensure the athlete’s voice is heard.

Here follows a brief summary of who your Wrestler’s Representatives are. Zumicke Geringer Former National Champion, African Continental Champion and World Championship contender. Zumicke has a very impressive CV of experiences and accomplishments including two Commonwealth Games and her recent 2015 All African Games Bronze medal.

Zumicke has recently qualified as a Level 3 National Coach and even though retired from competition, she still trains with the national team and assists in coaching. At her local club, Boksburg Wrestling Club in Eastern Gauteng, Zumicke coaches seniors down to juniors u/6 years old. Professionally Zumicke is a qualified Mechanical Engineer and a top student academically.

Zumicke is an advocate for women’s wrestling and women in sport, and is always available for assistance. Marco Coetzee Marco Coetzee is a current National team member (u/57kg) and is an all-rounder and technical expert in both Greco- Roman and Freestyle Wrestling.

Marco spent a considerable amount of time training in Hungary and also has a tremendous amount of international experience. He is also an African Championship medallist and World Championship wrestler.

Marco is currently graded as a Level 4 national coach, and spends most of his day coaching the various age-groups at his own wrestling club, including additional training sessions that he provides.

Marco is humble and approachable, and is also up do date with the latest developments in the world of wrestling.

Detailed CV’s will soon be available on the website with Contact Zumicke : clear roles and responsibilities. If there are matters to be brought to the attention of management that involve our [email protected] wrestlers, please contact your athlete representative and let your voice be heard. Contact Marco :

Together taking SA Wrestling to new heights! [email protected] Page 13

Article by Dirk Booysen

On Wednesday , 8 February 2017, The German team consisted of 16 Wrestlers (13 male 23_German’s landed at the O.R. Tambo and 3 females), 2 Coaches, 1 Team Doctor, 1 Gymnast, International Airport, for what would be a 1 Athlete and 2 Spectators. very successful Wrestling tour. The Team’s youngest wrestlers were twin brothers, The tour is a bi-yearly arrangement between Karamjeet and Ranjeet Holstein, whom celebrated “Uncle” Fanie Vermaak from Menlo Park their 13th birthday on 20 February 2017, in South Wrestling club and German wrestling coach Africa, and the eldest Wrestlers were Max Khan and Daniel Wilde, from the Sport School Justin Muller, whom turned 19 at the end of 2016. “Landesgymnasium für Sport” in Leipzig, Germany. They used the tour as part of their preparations for their upcoming National German Championships. After “Uncle” Fanie takes a Youth Wrestling Team the team settled in at their Lodge in Centurion, they every second year to Germany and coach immediately got rid of the jetlag by attending their first Daniel does the same to South_Africa. practise session at the Centurion Wrestling Club. Page 14

Gauteng North Played hosts for them from 8 to 15 February 2017 and during their stay in Pretoria, their program consisted of the following:

9 February 2017, Sightseeing in Pretoria and combined practise with dinner at Tuks Wrestling Club.

10 February 2017, Visit to Krugersdorp Animal Crèche.

11 February 2017, Tuks Challenge, where they achieved 8 Gold, 1 Silver, 4 Bronze and 2 Fourth places with only 16 entries. They obtained an overall 2nd place for the day with 42 points (only 16 Entries), Tuks taking the honours with 55 points (47 Entries) and Centurion 3rd with 27 points (52 Entries). There were a total of 40 Teams participating and a record 432 Entries for the tournament.

12 February 2017, Visit to Sun City.

13 February 2017, Sightseeing in Pretoria and Practice with dinner at Centurion Wrestling Club.

14 February 2017, Sightseeing in Pretoria and Practise with dinner at Menlo Park Wrestling Club.

15 February 2017, Sightseeing in Pretoria and Combined practise with the National Team at Northern Gauteng Wrestling Hall.

Combined practise with the National Team at Northern Gauteng Wrestling Hall. (15 Feb 2017)

Eastern Gauteng hosted them from 16 to 22 February and during their stay in the East Rand, their program consisted of the following:

16 February 2017, Visit to High School Hugenote in Springs and settle in at Stable Inn, where they stayed until 18 February 2017. They formed part of a TV recording, done by the “Afrikaans” TV Show “Kwela” at Brakpan and wrestled a dual against an Eastern Gauteng Invitational Team.

17 February 2017, Visit to Gold Reef City.

18 February 2017, Eastern Gauteng Open Championships, where they achieved 7 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze and 1 fourth place. There were a total of 38 Teams and a record 439 Entries.

19-21 February 2017, Stayed in Marloth Park and visited the Kruger National Park.

22 February 2017, Departed back to Germany. Page 15

It is quite clear that the German team displayed top class wrestling and hereby taught us a valuable lesson that the more you practice the better you compete. They practice two to three times daily in Germany and judging by their results obtained during the various tournaments, this seemed to be the contributing factor in the difference between our and their results.

A word of thanks need to go out to “uncle” Fanie and coach Daniel, as well as all the Northern and Eastern Gauteng, Management Teams, Clubs, Officials and Parents whom made the German tour a huge success. I know that most of us are already looking forward to the next tour that “Uncle” Fanie and Daniel are busy arranging.

Food for Thought: The German team participated in their National Championships on 11 March 2017 and although they managed to win 7 medals they could not crown 1 new German National Champion. Anastasia Blayvas & Emilie Haase at the Article by Dirk Booysen Eastern Gauteng Open Championships

Anastasia Blayvas (GER) vs. Zuleike Ludick (RSA) Max Khan (GER) vs. Zander Geringer (RSA)

Visit to Sun City Visit to the Voortrekker Monument Page 16

Article by KleinJan Combrinck

Duane van Zyl (32) lives in Pretoria with his wife, Tanya van Zyl, and his two children The above photo was taken on 18 March Cayla (4) and Duane (2). 2017, while celebrating the 4th Birthday of Being a family man is his first priority. Duane’s daughter, Cayla. After Duane lost his left leg, his very first goal was to be able Duane has his own electrical construction company, AA Electrical. to walk again on his daughters birthday.

He loves sport and being active, keeping himself busy with activities like gym, cross fit, cycling and wrestling.

Duane also has a passion for hunting and going away with his family on weekends.

Watch Duane’s video On YouTube

As you can see from the photos, like a true R2R I am Duane champion, Duane had reached his goal and https://youtu.be/LID5GqJ_WDk was able to spend this special day having fun with his family, even taking a ride on the quadbike with his two children. Page 17

In 2014 after Duane went back to wrestling, his feet started to go numb whenever he did intense training. He went to the doctor where they did all sorts of test on him and came to a conclusion that because of his Crohn’s disease from 2007, his body did not absorb all the nutrients it needed.

In 2015 the doctors did further tests and found weak pulses in both his feet. In October 2016, Duane and his wife Tanya went on holiday to Zanzibar. After their return from holiday, his left foot was in a lot of pain. He went back to the doctor and they could not find a pulse in his left foot. They decided to do a bypass from his thigh to his foot. He was in theatre for 8 hours, and after a week he was discharged and sent home.

After about 5 days he could not see any improvement in his foot. The doctor again tried another bypass and still could not find a pulse. The next day they broke the news that they have to amputate below the knee of his left leg. Duane agreed and the amputation was done the very next day.

When Duane woke up from surgery the agony was gone, he was again discharged and send home. After about 2 days he could not walk on crutches. He went back to the doctor and they found an infection in his leg. They went in for yet Duane and Tanya on holiday in Zanzibar. another operation and could not save the knee because the (October 2016) infection has spread. They then had to do an above knee amputation.

Duane and Tanya at the Gym prior to their trip to Zanzibar At the gym 3 weeks after his amputation. (October 2016) (January 2017)

From 7 November 2016 to 27 December 2016, Duane had 8 operations, including stomach ulcers.

Duane was released from hospital on 2 January 2017.

From 7 Nov – 27 Dec 2016, Duane lost a total of 40 kilogram. His weight had dropped from 110kg down to 70kg. Motivated to regain his form, Duane quickly started his ‘Road to Recovery’ and has since picked up 8kg with a high protein diet, cross fit and weight training. Page 18

“My recovery started when I saw myself in the mirror. I could not believe what has happened to me, it felt like a dream. The near thought of my two children running around in our backyard was enough for me to re-invent myself. I felt weak as a father and husband.”

“Never in my life have I backed down from a fight, and I’m not planning on starting now, so I went down on my knees and fought like a man.”

“That same night I posted a video of myself explaining a short version of what happened to me, and called it ‘Road to Recovery’. The response was overwhelming!

With my previous operations, I did not want anyone taking pictures of me, because I did not want to show my weak side. This time it was different. I want to help people through their struggles, ‘Physically and emotionally’. I want to show my progress as an example that when life brings you down, no matter how hard, you will always find a way to get back up, but only with God’s grace and to show that with GOD, ALL things are possible.”

“Setting goals and writing them down is my way of pushing the boundaries. My first goal was to walk on my daughter’s birthday, on 18 March 2017. I have since been blessed with a prosthesis from Icexpress, thanks to Johan Snyders and Elmarie Duane on his daughters 4th birthday Smit.” (18 March 2017)

Fitt'n Body Wellness Centre

Posted via Facebook (9 March 2017)

“ASTONISHING! INSPIRATIONAL! HUMBLE!

These words only start to describe this young man! Amazing working in conjunction with @crossfit_leo ... this is only 2 months after his leg got amputated, (3 Feb 2017) Duane with SA Disabled he decided to go the CrossFit route!

Athlete, Anthony Butlet, whom has the Duane van Zyl... you're an inspiration and same amputation as Duane. looking forward to seeing those much He helped Duane with some tips on how deserved results!” to walk.

Page 19

Duane van Zyl - Posted via Facebook on 4 February 2017

“This is my official thank you to this amazing stunning women. Tanya van Zyl, thank you for standing beside be through this tough unexpected road. I never thanked you for fighting with all your power to save my leg when I wanted to give up. You are the strongest most loyal person I have ever met. I promise to love you beyond your expectations. I will in time again carry all you burdens. I love you more than live itself. Thank you for being a great mother and an even better wife. God knew that this would happen and that's why he gave me you. I will never be able to thank you enough for loving me so much.”

“From my very first day in the hospital, I was fortunate to have the best support structure that anyone in my position could pray for. Firstly my amazing wife Tanya, who stuck with all the big guns and made sure that whatever happens, she will fight this battle with me head on.

My parents, Mardene and Frikkie van Zyl, who’ve always been there for me, and took the situation worse than I did. My brother, Ruan van Zyl, who despite all the pain was there to encourage me, reminding me that there is nothing in this world that can break me.

Thank you to all my family and friends that prayed for me and kept me in your thoughts. Thank you to the rest of the world that I don’t even know, who also kept me in their prayers. There will never be enough words to describe how much I appreciate all the support that I’ve received.”

“Thank you to the wrestling community for all your encouragement, and all that you have taught me over the years. Wrestling taught me how to fight till the end in any Duane with his two children, situation.” Cayla (4) and Duane (2)

Duane van Zyl

Posted via Facebook on 4 February 2017

“Daar is nie ‘n beter gevoel as die liefde wat jy kry by jou kinders nie.” Page 20

“I have been fortunate to be able to get back on the wrestling mat, even with one leg. I do not think that I will compete again, but I will always be involved in this amazing sport.”

“If the opportunity presents itself, I would definitely take on any other sport that comes my way. With my wrestling background I know what it takes to work hard and achieve my goals.

I have set goals by myself, for myself, and will see what the future holds. Photo posted via Facebook on 23 January I would love to be part of the Paralympics and it will definitely be “Duane van Zyl pitched up and trained with us! What an inspirational guy!”

considered as an option. I will in the near - Jacques Rossouw future start cycling, swimming and field events like javelin, shot-put etc.” Back on the wrestling mat, only 3 weeks after Duane was released from hospital.

Duane also showed his support at the 2017 Tuks Challenge, on 11 February 2017

“I was inspired by a young boy who has lost both his legs in n motorbike accident, to start a foundation, to try and help others with financial problems, so they can reach their dreams.

Photo: 2 February 2017 My brother, Ruan van Zyl and I are in the Duane with a new found friend, Alex van Dyk, whom process of launching our “Van Zyl foundation”. was also the first person that Duane was able to help We have since been able to help two people with a prosthetic, while in the process of starting the “Van Zyl Foundation.” with prosthesis which could not afford it.

We would like to raise awareness on this topic “Van Zyl Foundation” Contact Details: due to the fact that it is very expensive, and [email protected] (Duane Van Zyl) medical schemes do not contribute to

[email protected] (Ruan Van Zyl) prosthesis.” Page 21

Duane (Red) in action at the 2016 National Trials. 44 Likes Photography

(1995) Duane (11) with his Growing up, Duane and his younger brother, Ruan (29), brother, Ruan (8) lifted on his started wrestling at a very young age, whilst their older shoulders. brother, Frikkie (32), decided to stick to Rugby. 1993 Duane started wrestling when he was 8 years old at the Reitz wrestling club, and trained under coaches Christo Reitz and Thys Beeslaar.

1994 The following year, Duane (10) and his brother, Ruan (7), started wrestling competitively.

1995 Duane (11) and his brother, both won their North Transvaal colours, which was a highlight in their life’s, as this was their first accomplishment of many proud moments to follow. Duane’s father, Frikkie van Zyl, whom was also a wrestler at Reitz in his younger days, then stepped in and took over the coaching of the two “van Zyl brothers”.

1996 Both Duane (12) and his brother won their North Transvaal colours once again and proceeded to the South-African Championships, where Duane placed 3rd in the u/41kg division.

1997 The ‘van Zyl Family’ immigrated to the United States, where they lived in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Duane (13) joined wrestling at East Lake High School, under Coach Collins, whilst still in middle school.

1998 Duane (14) came 2nd in the Florida Sunshine State Freestyle Competition as a Cadet (u/63kg) and still had 2 years of Cadet wrestling left.

1999 Duane (15) was enrolled at East Lake High School as a freshman and was selected for the High School Senior Team (u/76kg), where he had a personal record of 11-1, before his (1999) 15 Year old Duane while on the parents decided to come back to South Africa. East Lake High School team (u/76kg)

Page 22

Duane with East Lake High School Wrestling coach, Duane (Blue) wrestling for East Lake High School. Coach Pete Collins (1999)

2000 After his return to South-Africa, Duane (16) kept on wrestling, although he did not compete that year.

2001 Duane (17) won the South-African Cadet try-outs (u/85kg) and was selected for the Cadet National team to compete under coach Louis Beneke and Piet van Rensburg in Tehran, Iran.

2002 Duane (18) won the South-African Junior try-outs and was selected for the Junior National team. He was also selected for the u/21 bulls team and decided to peruse Rugby instead. Later that same year Duane won the Junior South-African Championships in the u/96kg Freestyle division.

2003 Duane once again won the South-African Junior try-outs but did not compete overseas.

From 2004-2007 Duane pursued Rugby.

In 2007 Duane was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, he had two operations in 2007, followed by another two operations in 2011, in which they removed a big part of his small intestine.

The doctors said that Duane will never be able to do sport again.

Page 23

In October 2014 Duane started wrestling again at the Reitz Wrestling Club under Coach Jacques Rossouw.

In 2015 Duane won the Senior South-African Championships (u/120kg) and was also selected for the Senior National team to compete at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, Spain (u/97kg).

In 2016 Duane once again won the Senior South-African Championships (u/120kg). Duane with his brother, Ruan at the 2014 TuksChallenge

Duane (Red) in action on the 2015 SA Senior Championships 2016 SA Senior Championships wrestling mat. 2015 (u/120kg) (u/120kg)

Duane in action against China at the 2015 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid Page 24

Letter from Coach Jacques Rossouw (March 2017)

“Duane walked into my life 2014. As a coach I look at people in different ways to see if they are coachable and if they will fit into my wild Christian group of wrestlers.

From day one, not knowing who he really was, I was very impressed with his mental toughness and his will to give 110% on and off the mat. We spent a lot of time together and I was aware of his medical past and also of what could go wrong in the future.

I told Duane that no matter what, we will take on all the challenges that are thrown at us, and with God’s grace, we would overcome them all. When his boy was born, 2 years ago, I saw in his eyes the type of wrestler that could take Gold internationally! He was very Coach Jacques with Duane at proud and he was determined to get his National colours. the 2015 SA Championships We worked hard on the mat, especially on mental toughness and fitness. His leg was in constant pain while training and there was always the concern that he might have to stop. But he went on to be the best 120kg that year at the South African Senior Championships.

In 2016, Ashley Calvert, EFC Fighter and personal trainer, was brought into our group to help the guys get stronger and be the best they can be fitness wise. He was going to make a very big statement on the mat in 2017. Everything we worked on was falling into place, until that night after his trip from Zanzibar, when he got on the mat and after a few minutes told us something is different!

This was when my fears became a reality! We prayed for him and we left it in God’s hands. But God had worked out another plan for Duane to follow, I realized that when his leg was taken.

God gives his strongest soldiers the biggest tasks.

Duane has a lot of determination, in his workplace, and at home, with his wife being there for him 110% during this very hard-to-believe ordeal they have gone through.

Duane is and will always be a part of my team; we never give up on anyone, as he will never give up or stand back for any challenge in his life.”

“I got rewarded a Gold medal for coaching SA Champion Duane van Zyl. Very proud of this guy! Coming from an illness were they removed almost his hole colon. Doctor telling him he will never wrestle again and on his hospital bed telling his people he won't make it till the end of the week. Look at him now! Training to become a SA National Wrestler in January 2016”.

Jacques Rossouw Posted via Facebook on 15 November 2015

Page 26

Jeanne-Marie Coetser spoke to the 2014 Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist,

, about being selected for the International Sports Relations Internship at the University of Donga, Korea.

Article by Jeanne-Marie Coetser “Her name is synonymous with hope and inspiration to those who resonate with her humble beginnings.”

The wrestling community fondly refer to her as “Madi’tjie”, and know her as the friendly girl from the Benoni Kid’s Haven, who has risen from strength to strength to overcome the odds. From winning her first African Continental Championship Silver medal in 2007, to winning the bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, Mpho has shown that through hard work and determination, you can overcome almost anything.

It has not been an easy journey, as there have been times when she had faced some difficulties and disappointments, but in true Mpho fashion, she would get up to dust herself off again, and do her best to prove that she belonged.

Mpho is a woman who set her targets and worked hard towards achieving them, never taking her eyes off her goals.

Through her friendly and inviting personality and her eagerness to learn and be involved, Mpho created a very supportive network of colleagues and friends, who in turn created opportunities for her to grow into the icon that she has become. Page 27

It was at the United World Wrestling Coaches Educators Course 1 that was hosted in Cape Town in 2016, together with her club coach and also national coach Nico Coetzee, and also United World Wrestling’s Mr. Kouadio Vincent Aka-Akesse, that Mpho impressed her colleagues with her knowledge and dedication.

Here Mr. Lucas O’Ceallachain identified Mpho for the International Olympic Committee’s internship opportunity in partnership with the University of Donga, and without delay Mr. Adam Pingely arranged for the interviews and administrative processes to get underway.

As soon as September 2016 Mpho embarked on this new journey in her life, on her way to the University of Donga to start her iSR internship.

A total number of 17 students from 12 countries were selected, all being senior or retiring athletes. This group includes athletes from both Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Mpho was excited to be selected alongside names such as Sizwe Ndlovu, the 2012 London Olympics gold Some classmates from the iSR Class 2016-2017 medallist from Rowing.

Mpho and some of her classmates out on an excursion in Korea.

Taking a walk about town.

Not all fun and games as there are classes too. Waiting in between lectures. Page 28

The purpose of the course is to give athletes a head-start with their professional career after their competitive career is over, where the focus is mainly on Sports Management and International Relations. The students had to attend lectures in English, Korean Language, Computer Training, International Relations and History, Korean Culture, Marketing, Olympic Studies and Sport Industry, where they wrote exams on these subjects and are currently finalizing the final subjects. The focus for the first 10 months of the internship was on academics and theory, with the 3 remaining months focusing on practical experience and work integrated learning.

The athletes were assigned to projects such as working at the Winter Olympics Test Events and doing the Doping Control, and they were exposed to different sporting codes where they were involved with coaching & sometimes participating.

Facebook post by United World Wrestling

22 February 2017

South African Wrestler Mpho Madi on her internship at Winter Olympics test events as part of her scholarship to study Sports Management at International Sport Relations Foundation in Korea.

#GrowWrestling #AthleteCareer #WrestlingDevelopment

Mpho also enjoyed the opportunity to train with the On the opportunity to train with the Korean University wrestling team, as well as Korean University team, Mpho said – participating in soccer matches and practicing capoeira. “The university team is not that different to how we do things at home. In fact, their technique is far more basic than what we would practice at our club in Boksburg, or most local clubs for that matter. They would spend two weeks perfecting one basic technique – perfecting every technique rather than learning a large variety of techniques. They really specialize in Training with the Korean University Wrestling team. each technique they learn.”

Mpho is looking forward to training with the Korean National team at the Seoul Training Centre in April.

She is also still actively involved with her colleagues at United World Wrestling, where Mr. Aka Vincent and Mr. Lucas O’Ceallachain, would often include Mpho in their discussions and forums, and hold Mpho’s opinions to high esteem. Mr. Aka Vincent is currently heading Development for United World Wrestling Africa, and it is under his supervision and guidance that Mpho will take the reigns at the upcoming Cadet World Championships in Greece.

Mpho is still reading over the fine print of her 4 year contract with United World Wrestling Africa, but emphasizes the importance of bringing her knowledge and experience home to create opportunities that she wishes were available to her much earlier in her wrestling career.

Mpho will also be roped in with the African Olympic Training Centre in Senegal to assist Mr. Aka Vincent with the development projects and coaching. Page 29

The experience in Korea has not been all excitement and adventure as it had some lows for her, where there have been unplanned changes in their schedules and the athletes would be sent to work at projects at last minute’s notice, but it has been a learning experience that Mpho has embraced.

The highlight of Mpho’s experience so far has been volunteering at the Winter Olympics Test Event, where she worked with sporting codes she had no idea existed, and Mpho enjoyed the many inter-cultural experiences.

Mpho is a true patriot and also eagerly engages with her colleagues and friends on South African issues and experiences, and identifying areas for opportunities to develop and improve.

Asked what Mpho would like to bring home, she said that she would like to teach any wrestler that it is important to put just as much time into your academic career (schooling) and career planning as you put into your training.

“ Don’t neglect your schooling or your family because you are too busy focusing on an Olympic dream. Injuries are a reality and anything can happen. ”

To the next generation of female wrestlers Mpho had a special message from the heart –

“ We are stronger than we think. Don’t always doubt yourself. Take chances and don’t be scared to try something new, because this is how you will see just how far you can go. ”

Full Name: Leanco Stans Career Highlights:

Nickname: Lalie 2012 • Cadet African Championships – 1st Born: 02 Dec 1997 2013 Division: Junior u/63kg • Cadet African Championships – 2nd

Senior u/60kg • Cadet Tour, USA

• Cadet World Championships, Serbia Association: Gauteng-North

Club: Tuks 2014 • Cadet African Championships – 1st

• Youth Olympic Games, China – 6th

2015 • Junior African Championships – 3rd

2016 • Junior African Championships – 3rd

Wrestling Experience: 9 years

Years on National Team: 6 years

2012 Cadet Team

2013 Cadet Team

2014 Cadet Team

2015 Junior Team

2016 Junior Team

2017 Junior Team

2017 Senior Team Page 35

Jeanne-Marie introduces us to Coach Nico Coetzee. Chairman of the South African Coaches Committee, Chairman of the Eastern Gauteng Wrestling Association’s Coaches Committee, and head coach of Boksburg Amateur Wrestling Club.

Coach Nico is a man with many hats – as we would expect from the image of the ideal coach :

Being a coach is a big responsibility. A coach reconstructs his entire life to fulfil his appointed role, changing schedules at the drop of a pin, making sacrifices and taking on challenges head-on. A coach becomes a parent figure, a mother or father or confidant to their students. They listen but stay firm. They advise and provide direction. A coach is a specialist in techniques and sport science, and sometimes play doctor too. They are sports sociologists, psychologists and physiotherapists. A coach is all of this and more. And the reward? Praises for victories, and criticism with defeat… Ultimately, a coach is just a volunteer with a vision, and the ability to inspire. If there is one quality that Coach Nico lives out every day, and invokes in his wrestlers, it is the value of continuous learning. Coach Nico has been involved at every level from the ground up, first becoming a club coach, then getting involved as a provincial coach, and proving himself as a national coach, where he is appointed as chairman of the Coaches Committee. Coach Nico has done even more, and is involved in coaching internationally, trading friendly messages with Olympic champion coaches and even teaching a new technique to the recent women’s wrestling Olympic champion, Helen Maroulis!

Coach Nico in the corner with his son, and national Half time with former national wrestler Zumicke wrestler, Marco Coetzee. Geringer at the 2014 African Championships. Page 36

Photo: Nico Coetzee at the United World Wrestling Educator Course in Astana, Kazakhstan. (March 2016)

In March 2016 Coach Nico Coetzee was appointed as only 1 of 4 United World Wrestling Coach Educators over the whole continent of Africa, and 1 of 50 over the world.

The 2016 UWW Coach Educator Program was held from 10 to 12 March ’16 in Astana, Kazakhstan, followed by a Level 1 coaching course from 13 to 17 March ‘16.

The Africa Educators consist of Coach Nico, Other names on the list include Ms. Martine Mr. Vincent Aka (Ivory Coast), fondly referred Dugrenier (Canada), Ms. Tonya Verbeek (Canada), to by our former senior wrestlers as Aka- and the well-known Coaches Terry and Troy Vincent, as well as Mr. Hesham Moustafa Steiner (USA), as well as other Olympic coaches (Egypt) and Mrs. Annabel Ali (Cameroon). and former Olympic wrestling champions.

An UWW Educator is a professional trained to educate coaches by delivering regional and national courses with standardized contents under an interactive style, meeting the proper quality assurance to perform and evaluate their work. Coach Educators are trained in educational techniques to train and asses course participants. Page 37

The appointment by UWW as Coach Educator is a well-deserved acknowledgement of the hours of work Coach Nico has devoted to coaching and coach development.

Just prior to the Coach Educators course in Kazakhstan, Coach Nico was part of the launch of the UWW “Wrestle Right” pilot program in Cape Town. The programme is also known as the “Coaching Development and Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP) Course," and which ran from 10-15 January ‘16 in Franschhoek for the MOD Programme of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape.

Local coaches and teachers at the “Wrestle Right’ program in Franschhoek (January 2016). Wrestle Right is one of a series of educational programmes by the Wrestling Academy, brought to life by the UWW and the World Academy of Sport. This programme consisted of classroom and on-the-mat exercises to help South African coaches and teachers understand how to promote Olympic values and to support the youth’s physical literacy journey through wrestling. The Wrestle Right curriculum was developed together with Dr. Amanda Stanec, a physical education and coaching education expert, and teaches about physical literacy, the sport of wrestling, the five OVEP themes, detailed lesson plans and assessments, and information on how to help youth transfer what they learn in the program to their lives outside of the program.

The pilot program included 54 coaches and teachers from the 6 districts of the Western Cape. SAWF’s Mpho Madi also attended and shared her life story with the attendees. Coach Nico Coetzee provided technical leadership on the mats according to the specific needs of the various delegates.

Other experts included IOC facilitator Mr. Phelane Phomane and UWW Africa’s Mr. Aka Vincent, as well as Mr. David Lopez who heads development for the Americas. Page 38

Motivated and involved at every level of coaching, Coach Nico did not miss out on the opportunity to attend the first ever UWW Strength and Conditioning Course which was hosted in Finland over 17- 20 November ‘16. The course is a UWW “Grow Wrestling” initiative, and was held at the Kuoratane Olympic Training Centre (KOTC) facility in Finland and supported by Olympic Solidarity, the Finnish Wrestling Federation, the Finnish Weightlifting Federation and the KOTC. The course was presented by Mr. Tamás Fehér (International Weightlifting Federation), Ms. Karoliina Lundahl (IWF), Ms. Helen Maroulis (USA Wrestling Olympic Champion), Mr. Ivan Ivanov (Founder of Suples Ltd), Mr. Stephen Smith (Kitman Labs), Mr. Mike McGurn, (McGurn Elite Sport), and Mr. Christoph Feyer (Swiss Wrestling Federation).

It was also well attended by more than two dozen coaches from 11 national federations, and presented an opportunity for coaches to exchange knowledge on wrestling-specific testing, tapering, post-activation potentiation, and incorporating weightlifting into strength training. The course also utilized theoretical and practical sessions covering Olympic weightlifting technique, functional training for wrestling, and nutrition and weight control strategies. Suples assessed the coaches for “Suples Fit” Certification.

The Strength and Conditioning course was followed by the Level 1 Coach Educators course which was held in Khartoum, Sudan, over the period 12 to 16 December ’16 which Coach Nico also attended.

Coach Nico keeps a tight schedule, as between managing his private business and his duties as the head national coach, he still does not miss a single night’s training at his own home club in Boksburg.

Coach Nico is also appointed as a subject matter expert for the Masters Coaching degree which is developed in partnership with SASCOC and the Da Vinci Institute, under the guidance of Mrs. Desiree Vardhan who spearheads the development of the Coaching Framework for all national federations who are members of SASCOC Page 39

Insert by Shaun Bartlett

SAWF Head Coach, Nico Coetzee, recently qualified as one of only 4 United World Wrestling Educators in Africa and was soon after requested to present a Level One coaching course in Sudan over the December period. The course was attended by a number of local coaches from Sudan and other countries in the region and Nico was well prepared to share his knowledge and experience with the group of young men and woman.

The Educator program was developed by United World Wrestling to provide a simplified education structure and provide resources on continental level to not only develop coaches but officials and managers as well. The focus of this development is on grass roots level right through to high performance/international level.

The program which Nico presented is divided into 6 three hour modules over a period of three days and includes practical time on the mat. “ The experience and The modules are as follows: knowledge Nico has Module 1: Wrestling Academy training process, styles of delivery gained, and will continue Module 2: Role of the Educator and client population to gain, will benefit Module 3: Learning, competency and assessment Module 4: Reviewing learning and facilitation skills wrestling for years to Module 5: Wrestling Academy education programmes come. ” Module 6: Risk management

The program is based on the micro teaching principle which Nico has successfully started implementing here in South Africa and those of us fortunate to attend some of the courses presented by the coaches council would have benefited from the program Nico has been involved in.

But that’s not all…..

Last year Nico was also nominated to enrol at the Da Vinci Institute to complete a master’s degree in coaching with the support of SASCOC. After a long process and a tough selection process Nico has been admitted to the program which will put him in the company of some of the country’s top coaches from some of our biggest sporting codes.

The experience and knowledge Nico has gained and will continue to gain, will benefit wrestling for years to come. Page 40

Photo: 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow.

Coach Nico has been fortunate to be selected to head There are two significant moments in the coaches committee for the past 9 years, and has Coach Nico’s career which could be headed various African / Continental and World referred to as highlights. Championships teams, Commonwealth Championships and Commonwealth Games, as well as the The first was the Senior World Commonwealth Youth Games. These international Championships in Guatemala in 2008, events are shadowed by the Olympic Games Qualifier where one of the strongest senior teams Tournaments, where the senior South African wrestlers South Africa has yet delivered measured who competed there had to level with the world’s best against the world’s best and placed some for a spot at the Olympic Games. of the highest individual places to date, th including the 4 place and bronze medal Sure there were some disappointments over Coach from freestyle wrestler Pieter-Hendrik van Nico’s career, such as the devastating blow delivered der Schyff. to the SA wrestling community when the African Continental Championships were scrapped by SASCOC The next highlight for Coach Nico was as qualifying tournament for South Africa to compete with the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth at the Olympic Games in 2008. This was one of the Games, where the senior team was very strongest periods in senior wrestling in South Africa well-prepared and featured 4 wrestlers in and delivered many continental champions, and where the finals. On this occasion the team at least 4 of the senior wrestlers could have qualified at returned with 4 silver medals and 1 the African Championships that year. bronze medal.

Coach Nico has been a great asset for the SAWF, not only through his contribution to high performance coaching and coach development, but through his professionalism and integrity as an individual. Any stakeholder that has dealt with Coach Nico holds him to high esteem and speaks of him as a knowledgeable colleague.

To being a wrestler’s biggest critic while being their biggest fan - and so much more… Photo: Coach Nico with Bronze medalists, Mpho Madie (53kg) and Armando Hietbrink (86kg), after the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Thank you Coach Nico! Page 41

Photo: 2014 African Championships , Tunisia.

Boksburg Wrestling Club – Voorsitter : Mr. Johan Swart

(Afrikaans): “As mens aan Nico Coetzee dink as afrigter kan daar nie gehelp word om net bewondering te he nie. Nico is hoofafrigter van Boksburg Amateur Stoeiklub, sy ongelooflike entoesiasme en passie vir die sport onderskei hom kop en skouers bo ander afrigters. Sy toewyding, geduld en vermoee om te motiveer is van die eienskappe wat hom die hoogste sport laat bereik het as nasionale stoei afrigter. Op klub vlak is Nico by alle fasette van stoei betrokke. Sy bydrae as afrigter is van onskatbare waarde vir Boksburg. Nico rig nie net sy stoeiers in die tegnieke van stoei af nie maar vorm elke stoeier wat deur sy hande gaan tot n jong mens. Hy staan hul emosioneel by en is altyd daar om te help met probleme. Nico het n ongelooflike kennis van die sport en meer belangrik hy beskik oor die vermoee om dit oor te dra aan ander. Die soeke na selfverbetering laat hom egter nederig en altyd gewillig en greeting om nog te leer. Sy mense kennis en vermoee om n situasie vinnig op te som asook sy dryf maak van hom n ongelooflike strateeg wat van hom n formidabelle teenstander maak. Ek voel dat dit en sy passie vir mense sekerlik sy sterkste einskappe moet wees en dan ook die grootste rede vir sy sukses.”

Eastern Gauteng Wrestling Association – President

“What an honour and privilege for Eastern Gauteng Wrestling Association, to possess the bragging rights on COACH NICO. He is not only the Head Coach of Boksburg Wrestling Club, but also for Eastern Gauteng. Our COACH is so highly regarded in the Wrestling fraternity that he was selected as the Head Coach for the South African Wrestling Federation and through his hard work, commitment and dedication he is regarded by SASCOC as one of the best Coaches amongst all the different sporting codes in South Africa. But it doesn’t stop there, as OUR COACH, he is also regarded very highly by the Wrestling World Governing Body ‘UWW’ as he is often used by them as a Facilitator to assist with the training of coaches all over the World.

What else can we say, except that WE salute you COACH NICO, as our ambassador you truly and rightfully deserve all the accolades that are coming your way.” Page 42

Kagisho Matolong Mpho Madi - Eastern Gauteng Wrestling (Coaches Development - SASCOC) : (Female Wrestler, Administrator, Coach):

Firstly as an individual, Coach Nico is “Coach Nico is like a father to me – where I very professional, dependable and a never had a father growing up. He knows me true gentleman. As a wrestling coach so well, he can tell when I am up or down. He he is very knowledgeable in all areas of always encourages me to do better and to coaching, and knows and lives work hard chasing success. Coach Nico also wrestling. As a coach, compared to knows exactly how far he can push me and other national federations, Coach Nico does just that. Many times I have been invited is definitely one of the top coaches in to stay over at his family home and spend time the country. with his family. They are my second family. I was at a training camp in Hungary and pitched to training not knowing we were Coach Dean van Zyl – Ruiter Wrestling actually training, and had no training gear – Club, Central Gauteng (Current so I trained in his son Marco’s shorts, and my National Team wrestler and Delhi coach Nico’s socks! Coach Nico cornered my Commonwealth Games 2010 Medalist) match in the semi-finals at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi 2010, and I [Afrikaans] : “Coach Nico is regtig ‘n said to him after, ‘Coach, next Games I want a Coach wat toegewyd is en ‘n passie het medal’, so the work started and I moved clubs vir die sport stoei, en elkeen van sy to receive his coaching and also better training stoeiers. Hy het n geweldige groot partners that his club provided. For my future, indruk gehad op my internasionale he motivates me to have an open mind about stoei loopbaan met sy leiding en goeie how I can work for a better future. It is raad. Ek het selfs met sy stoei skoene through Coach Nico’s introductions that I ‘n brons medalje op die Statebond achieved this scholarship in Korea. Coach Nico Spele gewen omdat ek myne by die has played a major role in my journey to huis vergeet het.” where I am today.” Page 43

We asked coach Bennie Labuschagne to share “ When I think of Nico the description more about coach Nico Coetzee and what he Commitment immediately springs to mind. means for our sport. Commitment not in respect of something specific but rather in respect of everything that he attempts. He is a very successful businessman with the business that he runs with his wife Debbie and his son Marco.

He always supports and welcomes renewal and innovation. He is himself responsible for big changes in his sport wrestling. He will always do everything in his power to do the best preparation in, for example, his involvement in the writing of the coaching framework for wrestling coaches.

His preparation in the coaching of SA wrestling teams for international competition and National coaching courses is of the highest standard and thorough. He is a people’s person and colleagues becomes confidants.

He will always go out of his way to assist and help others, even if it is to his own detriment. He is fanatical about wrestling of which he heads up the South African Coaches council and will read any little info that can contribute to the development and enhancement of wrestling.

Because of his positive attitude and commitment Photo: Coach Bennie Labuschagne and Coach Nico he takes the negativity of other people personal. Coetzee at the 2016 UWW Strength and Conditioning He will spend a lot of time to help these people, course in Finland. with lots of research that he puts in, he would convince them by stating the facts.

He is always willing to learn something new and will always take the advice of experts. He is also prepared to be part of the practical and physical learning and teaching of new techniques and exercise in wrestling.

Nico is an example and a wonderful leader. ”

Photo: Coach Nico with his son Marco and wife Debbie. Page 44

Photo: Marrakech, Morocco.

A look at the exciting changes in team selection policy and the recent announcement of the 2017 Senior, Junior and Cadet African Championship Teams – by Jeanne-Marie Coetser

In any sports federation planning falls “We intend to expose wrestlers to more meaningful and within a 4 year cycle, the Olympic experience related international competitions and Cycle, and where the playing field is training camps. Therefore we plan to select and send dynamic and adjustments need to be teams to alternative competitions and camps where made on an ongoing basis. Following they can obtain valuable experience at the right level.” upon the successes and highlights of the recent 2016 Rio Olympics, the What this means for the wrestling community is that SAWF Coaches Council have carefully the traditional thinking in relation to international thought through and planned the next competition needs to be addressed. Due to the scarcity 2020 Olympic cycle. Embracing a of sponsorships and restricted funding, competitions system that is athlete centred, coach and training camps are identified where wrestlers driven and science and administration would get more value for their money, and compete supported, the Coaches Council have strategically to gain experience and match training – as identified an exciting new strategic this is a very different level of competition compared to plan to prepare our South African local competitions. As such, the traditional annual wrestlers to compete and win on the African continental championships will no longer be the international stage. first or only international championship for the year. Page 45

The recent 2017 African Championship team announcement on the 15th of March ’17 created great upset as there were a few weight categories and styles where no wrestler was selected. Wrestlers who made the cut were those who met the selection criteria absolutely by placing first at trials and meeting the national training attendance requirements, and where the fitness tests by the High Performance Centre of Pretoria indicated the top candidates. The coaches also considered local championship performances. Each wrestler was evaluated and considered individually, and their skill was considered in comparison to that which the coaches have carefully studied at the African Championships. Other wrestlers were identified for alternative international training camps – with the names yet to be announced. Non-inclusion did not mean exclusion from alternative international competitions for 2017.

The final entries were submitted on Sunday 25 March ’17 and the team managers are hard at work to make arrangements and meet deadlines. The combined cadet, junior and senior team wrestlers and their coaches will depart for Marrakech, Morocco, together on the 23rd of April ’17 from OR Tambo.

The cadet boys participating in Greco-Roman will weigh in on the 25th of April and compete on the 26th, where the Freestyle boys will weigh in on the 26th of April and compete on the 27th. They are led by team manager Florence Deysel, and will be cornered by the very experienced coaches Hansie Kruger and Reinhardt Bosse.

Our junior team includes 3 women, including 2014 Youth Olympic wrestler Leanco Stans, 2015 African Cadet Championship Gold medallist, Marie Oosthuizen, as well as the 2016 Cadet Female Wrestler of the year, Cheyenne Smit. 2015 African Cadet Championships Gold medallist, Nico van den Berg will also be a name to watch as he is again selected for the Junior team.

The Juniors will be led by team manager Lizzy de Wet, and they will depart from OR Tambo on the 24th, with the Women’s, Greco-Roman and Freestyle disciplines all weighing in on the 27th of April and competing on the 28th. Coaches leading this strong junior men’s and women’s team are also very experienced and consist of coach Corrie van der Walt and coach Marius Geldenhuys, where coach Marius is one of the top Greco Roman coaches in South Africa.

The Senior team selected comprises of great national talent. After careful weighing of their available resources and the level of competition and timing of tournaments within their Olympic Cycle preparation plans, some of the senior wrestlers who were selected have indicated their interest in competing in the alternative international tours rather than the African Championships.

The senior team are led by our administrative power-woman, Gussie Bartlett, and coaches Corrie van der Walt, and Greco-Roman specialist coach Gertjie van der Merwe. Coach Gertjie’s experience among local Greco-Roman coaches is unmatched, where he has recently returned from a Greco-Roman Seminar in Iran and he also has a very thorough understanding of the level of competition at the African Continental Championship level.

Photo: Nico van den Berg, Marie Oosthuizen and Martin Erasmus Page 46

The main priority for our wrestlers and coaches is to win medals and leave their best on the wrestling mat in Morocco, but where this is also a foreign cultural experience.

Each wrestler can prepare locally by focusing on their technique, strength and fitness, but the moment they step onto the aeroplane it is considered foreign soil. As many may know the wrestlers are challenged by controlling their weights, and where the long flights with frequent meals and drinks and long periods of inactivity cause water-retention and weight- gaining. When the wrestlers step off the plane in Marrakech they will need time to acclimatize to the local conditions, where our coaches usually close this gap through careful training techniques. Usually only after the 1st or 2nd training session there the wrestlers’ weights return to normal. Morocco on the African Map.

All the countries competing at the championships would usually stay in the same hotel, where it is interesting to see how the foreign wrestlers and local wrestlers size each other up when they are in the same room. The shared dining facilities in itself are a challenge, as South Africans are usually mild- mannered and reserved, queueing for meals and saying their “please” and “thank you’s”, in sharp contrast to some other nationalities that would empty a whole dish between two people. Likewise with waiting for transport and booking the training facilities, it is a daily competition for The competition venue on an ordinary day. who can get there first and be the first person on the mat – majority team on the mat usually takes over the mat for Marrakech is a former imperial city market by highly an hour to hour and a half training clustered tall buildings and meandering alleys, not to session. It is clear that competition mention the high concentration of traffic that is starts long before the actual mat miraculously flowing, with loud hooting and endless competition starts, and with perfect traffic-light-free intersections and traffic-circles. planning and preparation on our team’s Marrakech is a more westernized North African city and side, their weights need not be their is majority Muslim but is also a large portion of Christian first opponents too. faith.

As it is Spring in the city, the temperatures are still mild to low, with cooler evenings, and temperatures varying from 12 to 24 degrees, and where this is an important consideration where some wrestlers need to manage Page 47

The team will be staying at the 4-star rated Hotel Atlas Asni, a short 15 minutes drive away from the competition venue at Salle couverte Zerktouni, Gueliz. The competition venue is a multi-sports venue that allows for a fairly large audience, which seems on photos to be similar in size to our local Primrose Wrestling Hall in Eastern Gauteng.

On experience the daily qualification rounds and repercharge rounds are mainly supported by the different national federations, and where the crowds usually arrive in their numbers for the final matches which are held in the evenings. Photo: Hotel Atlas Asni, Marrakech

As we expect our wrestlers to be wrestling in these final matches, they will be met with the shouting of large local crowds who usually sing to beating drums and banging of feet and loud applauses as they cheer their local Morrocan wrestlers, or where they are not present they will cheer for a neighbouring North-African country. There have been great and spectacular moments in the past where our local wrestlers have won over the crowds with their sportsmanship and unwillingness to give up, and have had crowds turn around and shout our wrestlers through to the gold medals. The competition venue will have 2 UWW approved mats.

Preparation comprises therefore not only of physical training, but of mental preparation and emotional preparation to allow our wrestlers to expect the unexpected and control the controllable, giving them the advantage that comes with thorough psychological preparation.

A wrestler would be focused and take all their surroundings in, narrowing down from the new cultural experience in a foreign country and the reception of the crowd, to the technological challenges that we often meet at these competitions and finally focusing on their opponent inside the small circle. They block out all the noise and screams and external distractions and focus on the task at hand – winning this opponent, and preferably by a fall. Page 48

The South African team comprises of some first-time selections, and of a great number of previous African Championship team members. The team will be prepared by the very capable hands of coaches who are all experienced and very familiar with the level of competition at the African Championships, which definitely counts in our favour. The responsibility for preparation of team members does not lie solely with the selected national coaches, but also with the wrestlers’ local club coaches. Some team members are fortunate to be coached by previous African Championship medallists, such as Coach Kurt Herzog (Boland) coaching the talented Jacques Ludik (u/46kg Freestyle Cadet team member) .

Coach Dean van Zyl from Ruiter Wrestling Club in Central Gauteng is himself selected as a Senior wrestler for the championship, and his own wrestler Nico Fouche (u/96kg Greco-Roman Junior team member) is a newcomer who has worked hard to be included in the 2017 team. Nico has said himself that he is inspired by his coaches and wishes to make his mark at the African Championships, to bring home a medal, and to work toward becoming a World Championship wrestler.

Eastern Gauteng wrestlers from the Brakpan Wrestling Club and under the supervision of coach Rassie Erasmus, have been hard at work for a long time and put in more hours per week than most local clubs. Based at Brakpan is the team manager Gussie Bartlett, and masters wrestler / coach, Fred Nel, who provides invaluable advise and training to the wrestlers. Coach Fred Nel has also been the head national coaching leading national teams many years ago.

Brakpan wrestlers included in the National team are first year Cadet, Fernando Booysen, along with three of SA’s previous African Championship medallists, including Jacques Kriel, Cheyenne Smit, and our 2016 Senior Wrestler of the Year, Martin Erasmus. Martin placed a controversial 2nd place at the 2016 African Senior Wrestling Championships, which was later moved to a default 1st place position after his opponent from Egypt tested positive for banned substances – a medal that many believe should have returned home a year ago. Martin just barely missed out on Brakpan Wrestling Club’s Coach Fred Nel, Jacques Kriel, qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics, and will be a Gussie Bartlett, Coach Rassie Erasmus, Martin Erasmus, name to look at for at this year’s competition. and in the front is Fernando Booysens and Cheyenne Smit.

The competition will be followed by the UWW More than Medals Leanco Stans has also since Training Camp which will take place the week after the competition, team announcements been and where the wrestlers Edrich Nortje (Tuks NG, formerly KZN) and accepted as part of the Johny Smit (Mpumalanga) have been selected for this great Tokyo 2020 Development opportunity. Edrich also attended the More than Medals camp which Scholarship – more details was hosted after the Cadet World Championships in 2015. This is a available in a detailed great opportunity for our young wrestlers that has been made interview with Leanco in possible through the SAWF’s good relationship with UWW Africa’s this issue of Inside Circle. head of Development, Mr. Vincent AKA. (See page 52).

We wish our team the best of luck for these championships and on the new Olympic Cycle journey that they embark. We await in due course the announcements of the tour teams and are very excited for the development of our national talent, as supported by the new strategic plan. Stay posted for more exciting news and developments! Page 49

PROGRAM :

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Medical and Weigh-in : CADET Woman and Greco-Roman

Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Day 1 : CADETS - Woman and Greco-Roman Competition

Medical and Weigh-in : CADET Freestyle (all categories)

Thursday, April 27, 2017 Day 2 : CADETS - Freestyle Competition

Medical and Weigh-in : JUNIOR Freestyle, Woman and Greco-Roman

Friday, April 28, 2017 Day 3 : JUNIORS - Woman, Freestyle and Greco-Roman Competition

Medical and Weigh-in : SENIOR Woman, and Greco-Roman

Saturday, April 29, 2017 Day 4 : SENIORS - Woman and Greco-Roman Competition

Medical and Weigh-in : SENIOR Freestyle

Sunday, April 30, 2017 Day 5 : SENIORS - Freestyle Competition Page 50 AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 TEAM SA - FINAL ENTRIES :

Referees – Senior/Junior/Cadet Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club Villet Charles Charles MPUM INYA Giliomee Willem Johannes Willem WPW PARW

Senior – Men's Freestyle Bracket Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club U/61kg Combrinck Jan Louwrens KleinJan KZN RICH U/86kg Janse v Rensburg Hein Jakobus Hein WPW BRCF U/97kg Erasmus Martin Martin GEW BRAK Senior – Men's Greco-Roman Bracket Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club U/66kg Gregory Leonard Leonard GNW MENL Senior – Women's Freestyle Bracket Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club U/60kg Stans Leanco Leanco GNW TUKS

Senior – Coaches Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club Coetzee Nico Nico GEW BOKS Van Der Merwe Gert Johannes Jacobus Gertjie WPW BRCF Senior – Team Managers Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club Bartlett Shriley Augusta Gussie GEW BRAK

Junior – Men's Freestyle Bracket Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club U/55kg Louw Reynhardt Reynhardt GNW CSG U/66kg Ludick Jacobus Johannes JJ GEW BOKS U/84kg Marais Fredylan George Dylan GNW TUKS U/96kg De Beer Judah Pieter Judah GNW TUKS Junior – Men's Greco-Roman Bracket Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club U/55kg Kidson Brandon Brandon GNW TUKS U/60kg Van Den Berg Hermanus Nicolaas Nico MPUM SASOL U/74kg Fat Khulekani Elliot Elliot NWW KLERK U/96kg Fouché Nico Nico CGW RUIT Junior – Women's Freestyle Bracket Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club U/59kg Smit Cheyenne Cheyenne GEW BRAK U/63kg Stans Leanco Leanco GNW TUKS U/67kg Oosthuizen Maria Louisa Francina Marie KZN RICH Page 51

Junior – Coaches Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club Van Der Walt Cornelius Johannes Corrie SED Geldenhuys Mathëus Johannes Marius WPW BRCF Junior – Team Managers Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club De Wet Elizabeth Lizzy KZN NEWC Bartlett Shriley Augusta Gussie GEW BRAK

Cadets – Men's Freestyle Bracket Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club U/42kg Booysen Fernando Fernando GEW BRAK U/46kg Ludik Jacques Jacques BOL DROS U/50kg Human Albertus Stefanus Hennie NCW INDL U/54kg Lehmkühl Mika Mika GNW CSG U/58kg Nortjé Frederik Cornelius Johannes Edrich GNW TUKS U/63kg Rossouw Francois Francois LSV IONB U/69kg Viljoen Marco Marco GNW RZ U/76kg Botha Ruan Ruan GNW TUKS U/85kg Kriel Johannes Jacobus Jacques GEW BRAK U/100kg Le Roux Gabriël Jacobus Jaco GNW Cadets – Men's Greco-Roman Bracket Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club U/46kg Hattingh Johannes Marais Marais LSV IONB U/58kg Smit Johny Johny MPUM WITR

Cadet – Coaches Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club Bosse Reinhard Willie Reinhard WPW OLYM Kruger Hans Jurgens Van Rooyen Hansie MPUM NELS

Cadet – Team Managers Surname Full Name Nick Name Association Club Deysel Florence Webb Florence MPUM MIDD Bartlett Shriley Augusta Gussie GEW BRAK Page 52

Article by Jeanne-Marie Coetser

Earlier in March the announcements were made via social media that Leanco Stans had received one of the greatest opportunities yet presented to South African wrestling women. The Facebook post alone announcing Leanco, or rather “Lalie’s” Training Camp at the Kuoratane Olympic Training Centre (KOTC) in Finland and Scholarship opportunity, reached some of the best stats of any other local wrestling posts on social media to date.

Most people who know Lalie within the wrestling community agree that she has stayed consistently the same quiet, soft-spoken girl that she has been since the day she appeared on our local competition mats, and where she is known to sport her girly dresses and beautifully kept long blonde locks. If ever a man wanted to keep this fair maiden’s attention, he need only start talking about horses and this quiet wide-eyed girl would turn right around, telling you stories about breeds and pedigrees that would leave you dumbstruck.

Lalie spends most of her off time grooming and riding horses and has some of her own at home. She is an animal lover, when she is not horse-riding or grooming she is playing with her beautiful pedigreed Border-Collies, or picking up ducklings on her way home from tournaments..

Lalie is both pretty and tough, and proves that any girl can reach the top without having to Photo: Leanco rescued_a duckling change who they are. when driving home from the 2017 National trials. Page 53

Leanco loves dolling up when she is not on the mat.

Not just a pretty face, Lalie impressed the coaches at the training camp in Finland, so much, that she received a full scholarship for this year, which is a comprehensive package worth a substantial amount of money. Photo: Feb-Mar KOTC Training camp in Finland

This scholarship will start on the 1st of April and Other details we learned about her contract see Lalie to the African Championships, where with UWW for the Women’s Scholarship, is that Lalie will compete both as a Junior and a Senior she will be based at the Kuoratane Olympic within 1 day of each other, and will end after Training Centre and receive top of the range completion of the Senior World Championships athlete services that include not only full cover in Paris at the end of September. for basic support and accommodation in a resort-level double room, and fully paid and If all goes well and Lalie outperforms her provided meals 3 times per day, but also top of teammates included in this scholarship, she may the range training facilities, massage sessions 4 be selected for the OS Tokyo Scholarship which times per month, intensive physiotherapy as will start from September 2017. Of course there well as cryo-therapy twice a month, and are conditions to her contract, such as a treatment at the recovery centre 4 times per requirement to maintain a high level of month. Performance tests will be conducted technical competence as well as the high level once a month, but with the support that Lalie of physical fitness, and remaining major-injury will be receiving there, we are sure she will do free during the period of the contract. her absolute best in these tests.

KOTC - The training facilities are walking distance from the accommodation Page 54

Among the list of training camps and competitions scheduled for Lalie, these events include an international training camp at the KOTC, a training camp in Dormagen followed by the Dormagen Grand Prix, the Grand Prix in Spain followed by the international training camp, a further training camp at the KOTC, and the World Cup in Paris. Other events to be confirmed, but where these are also subject t to changes.

On her expectations of this scholarship, Lalie says she is very grateful and is still coming to terms with the reality of this truly amazing opportunity. Of course she said she is slightly nervous about the level of training and competition that lies ahead, but this is outweighed by her excitement and she cannot start with the scholarship soon enough. During the past training camp Lalie made many friends and receives great support from the other nationalities, particularly from Australia and South Africa’s neighbouring Nigeria. She is comfortable with her training partners and her coaches and has utmost confidence in them, providing the support away from home that she will need to keep her performing her best. Lalie also expressed that it is the quality of sportsmanship that South Africans have that the other nationalities really admire, as well as her humble nature and eagerness to learn. Lalie is also a very strong young lady and can put the pressure on as well as she can handle it, and this is the type of quality that our international competitors admire.

The most exciting aspect of this Lalie is currently recovering from a hip injury but is scholarship for Lalie is that she will be determined to see the recovery through before she receiving world-class training to prepare departs. The medical support she will receive at the her for the World Championship in Paris. KOTC will also be a great help to this end, and where her coaches at the KOTC will also be in regular contact with She mentioned the pressure she expects her South African coaches to keep abreast of events and to feel of constantly having to improve Lalie’s progress. Her Coaches at the KOTC include UWW her performance throughout the year, Africa’s Vincent Aka, Russia’s Maksim Malinov, and but that being placed close to training Finland’s Ahto Raska. South African head coach Nico venues and knowing that she will have Coetzee has a very good relationship with these coaches training partners at every training and they have been in constant communication on session and always have competitors at Lalie’s journey to date. competitions will be a welcome and positive new experience that will make All eyes will be on Lalie during the period of her improving inevitable. This is in sharp scholarship, as she treads where no South African contrast to her local situation, where woman – or man, for that fact – has ever treaded before. Lalie struggles to find training partners The South African Wrestling community will wait with and often weighs in alone in her weight bated breaths to hear the good news of Lalie’s great categories at South African competitions. successes and to learn from her great adventure.

We wish Lalie the best of luck on this amazing adventure, and pray for her to remain safe, injury-free and always in high spirits. Go chase your dreams, Lalie!

Page 56

The 2017 Tuks Challenge took place on 11 February 2017 at the LC de Villiers Rembrandt Hall.

Being one of the largest and toughest tournaments of the year, the Tuks Challenge is definitely a highlight on most people’s wrestling calendars. This year saw a total of 448 tournament entries, which included a strong team of wrestlers from Germany.

A great initiative by Tuks Wrestling was to offer free entry to all female wrestlers over 14 years, as well as all male wrestlers over 17 years.

1st place winners in the following divisions were also rewarded with Prize money:

U/13 (R 70); U/15 (R 120); U/17 (R 320); Over 17 (R 450)

Wrestlers who received prize money showed great appreciation for the extra reward.

Photo: The morning of the Tuks Challenge saw a large group of masters wrestlers come together for a training session, while they were also joined by some younger wrestlers. Page 57

Mpho Buda is a 12 year old boy from Tembisa who is suffering from a life-threatening-illness.

He absolutely loves wrestling, and thanks to the ‘Reach for a dream’ foundation, Gauteng- North Wrestling was able to help make Mpho’s dream come true at the 2017 Tuks Challenge. Sharon Allison (Gauteng-North Wrestling) and Terena van Wyk (Reach for a dream) with Mpho.

A very excited Mpho got to watch some of the wrestling action at the 2017 Tuks Challenge.

Mpho also took to the wrestling mat, were he wrestled and pinned down a few young wrestlers from the Tuks wrestling club, who helped show Mpho some wrestling grips under the guidence of Tuks coaches, Bennie Labuschagne and Hein Barnes. Thanks to Bennie Labuschagne, Hein Barnes, Sharon Allison, Tuks wrestlers, Daniel Bontsi and everyone who helped make this young boys dream come true. Page 58

Photo: John Barrable Hall, Benoni

The Eastern Gauteng Open took place on 18 February 2017 at the John Barrable Hall in Benoni and saw a total of 459 entries.

The German exchange team was also at the tournament which guaranteed some good matches.

Straight after the opening, everyone gathered around the centre mat to watch some of SA’s top master wrestlers go head to head in two exhibition matches. First up was Jaques Rossouw vs. Juan Nel, followed by Chris Sutton vs. Jacques Photo: Once again the masters showed up and took to Meyer. the mat before the tournament. .

There was R500 prize money up for grabs for the winners of each of the following categories:

• Cadet LL U/58, U/63, U/69, U/76, U/85

• Junior LL U/74

• Senior LL U/61, U/65, U/70, U/74, U/86 & U/96

• Above/17 GR U/66, U/96

• Above/17 LF (30-50kg), Above/17 (50-70kg), U/17 LF (30-50kg), U/17 LF (50-70kg)

• “Best Mach of the Day” and “Best Action of the Day”

TEAM RANKINGS: Gold Silver Bronze 4th Total Placing Centurion Wrestling Club CSG 36 30 12 3 81 1st Brakpan Wrestling Club BRAK 48 12 8 4 72 2nd Elsburg Wrestling Club ELSB 24 18 12 2 56 3rd Boksburg Wrestling Club BOKS 20 18 12 2 52 3rd Tuks Wrestling Club TUKS 28 15 2 1 46 4th Page 59

The 2017 Mpumalanga open took place on March 2017 at the Gauteng North Wrestling hall, and saw a total of 310 entries.

Being the last Open Championships ahead of the SA Presidents Championships, this was a great chance for all wrestlers to test their wrestling while preparing for the upcomming Nationals.

Photo: As usual a large group of masters came together on the mats for an early morning training session ahead of the tournament.

Photo: Elsburg wrestlers Tanique and Shannon shows Photo: Action shot as a wrestler throws his opponent off their Mpumalanga medals. with a headlock at the Mpumalanga Open. Page 60

DATE EVENT

07-08 APRIL SA PESIDENTS & MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017

26-30 APRIL AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 - CADET, JUNIOR & SENIOR

06 MAY BRAKPAN CHALLENGE 2017

03 JUNE SENTRAAL GAUTENG OPE 2017

10 JUNE DANIE VOGES CHALLENGE 2017

24 JUNE NOORD VRYSTAAT OPE 2017

07-08 JULY SA CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 - CADET, JUNIOR & SENIOR

15-16 JULY GRAND PRIX OF SPAIN 2017

05 AUGUST JOHNNIE REITZ ‘BIG 5’ OPE 2017

Page 62

DANGAL (2016)

Biographical sports drama of former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, who taught wrestling to his two daughters, Babita Kumari and Geeta Phogat.

Geeta Phogat was India's first female wrestler to win at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, where she won the gold medal (55 kg) while her sister, Babita Kumari won the silver (52 kg)

Language: Hindi (English Subtitles)

Release: December 2016

“Aandag aan alle stoeiers. Doen jouself die guns en gaan kyk die movie. Beslis die beste stoei fliek wat ek in my lewe al gesien het. 10 uit 10”.

Pieter Gouws: December 30, 2016

“Uitstekende fliek! “Het die fliek gisteraand gesien. Kan beaam 'n Moet kyk vir elke stoeier”. dat dit uitstekend is, gaan kyk dit gerus!”

Marelene Meyer: January 15, 2017 Pine Pienaar: January 8, 2017

KleinJan Combrinck (Owner) [email protected] 083 267 1819 (WhatsApp)

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@ EliteDesigns.SA INSIDE CIRCLE (Volume 1, Issue 1) APRIL 2017 PUBLISHER: Gussie Bartlett // EDITOR: KleinJan Combrinck