Sizwe Ndlovu excited as SASCOC names Youth Olympic squad

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has announced a 46-member team that will compete across 15 sporting codes at the Games.

Rugby Sevens has the biggest representation with 12 players, followed by athletics with 10 and gymnastics with six.

Swimming has four athletes, while archery, beach volleyball and cycling have two representatives each.

Badminton, fencing, equestrian, judo, rowing coastal beach, skateboarding, beach wrestling and triathlon will each have one representative.

South Africa has won 15 medals at previous Youth Olympic Games and will be hoping to add to that tally in Dakar.

Ndlovu, who is a manager and coach at the University of Johannesburg, says he is aware of the responsibility that comes with leading the young team.

“I am aware that I have a huge responsibility on my hands and that I am leading a big team to Dakar. The Games are about motivating the athletes and making them believe that they can graduate to the Olympic ranks one day.

“We want to come back home with medals, but the Games are about much more than winning,” said Ndlovu.

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Ndlovu has already gained valuable experience in leading young athletes after serving as deputy Chef de Mission at the African Youth Games in Angola last year.

He believes the support of parents will also be important in making the Dakar campaign a success.

“I need the support of the parents to make these Games a success. We want to enjoy the Games and compete. The excitement is already there for everyone to see,” he added.

SASCOC CEO Nozipho Jafta is also looking forward to the Games, which will be particularly significant as the first Youth Olympic Games to be held in Africa.

SASCOC Athletes Commission Chairperson Khotso Mokoena will serve as a Games ambassador.

“These Youth Olympics have been a long time coming. Not only because it’s been an eight-year wait between Games, but because it’s so significant for Africa,” said Jafta.