‘SKOMOTA’ GETS CROWD CHANTING DURING DISABILITY GAMES IN TEMBISA

By Phetoho Maja

• Banele Nxumalo, a 20-year-old goalkeeper from Phomolong in the Eastern Corridor, captivated the crowd at the Ekurhuleni Regional Disability Games held at Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa, earning acclaim for his impressive saves and becoming a fan favourite.
• Despite facing dyslexia and severe intellectual disabilities, Nxumalo expressed his passion for sports, emphasising the importance of participation and the support he received from both his peers and the enthusiastic crowd.
• The Disability Games, organised through a partnership between the Gauteng Department of Social Development, the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the Department of Health, and Special Olympics South Africa, aimed to showcase the talents of individuals with disabilities and promote their skills in a supportive environment.

A rose among thorns, Banele Nxumalo from Phomolong in the Eastern Corridor emerged as a fan favourite during the Ekurhuleni Regional Disability Games, recently held at Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa.

The 20-year-old, who idolises celebrity entertainer ‘Skomota’, was the tournament’s standout goalkeeper, captivating the crowd with impressive saves that had them chanting his name. Nxumalo shared that he earned his nickname from friends at school.

Despite being dyslexic and facing severe intellectual disabilities that result in significant developmental delays and difficulties with speech and language comprehension, Nxumalo has always harboured a passion for sports, particularly football.

“I feel great about my performance on the pitch today. The support from the crowd was overwhelming. We all enjoyed the games, both in football and netball, and everyone should consider themselves a winner,” Nxumalo stated.

He also praised his peers for demonstrating that having a disability does not equate to inability. “We train together and always encourage each other to be our best. One day, we hope to represent our country in international Disability Games. Those sitting at home should not feel sorry for themselves; they must get out and participate in sports for the benefits of wellness,” Nxumalo added.

The Disability Games were a collaborative effort between the Gauteng Department of Social Development, the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the Gauteng Department of Health, and Special Olympics South Africa.

Lawrence Maphoto, Social Work Supervisor and Disability Team Leader in the Eastern Corridor, emphasised that the event aims to support, embrace, and promote the talents and skills of individuals in the disability sector in Ekurhuleni.

“The region is home to many people with disabilities who possess a variety of talents, making this event an excellent platform for them to showcase their skills. Collaborating with non-profit organisations (NPOs) that serve people with disabilities allows us to integrate sports activities into the programmes for beneficiaries,” Maphoto explained.