 |
Change a Life Academy
Media Release |
No: CAL2002 |
06 May 2020 |
Embargo: None |
Written by: Nick Tatham |
Nzimande keeping his head down during lockdown
Pietermaritzburg – Following a life-changing first three months of 2020,
Dusi Canoe Marathon winner and FNB Change a Life Academy star Khumbulani
Nzimande is using the current coronavirus lockdown period as a chance to
recharge and come out firing into the second half of the year.
Nzimande teamed up with Andy Birkett to paddle to a popular win at the
three-day Dusi Canoe Marathon at the end of February and the result
catapulted the 24 year-old into the paddling spotlight.
He showed his versatility at the N3TC Drak Challenge where he produced a
stunning day two performance to finish fifth overall in some testing
conditions on the uMzimkhulu River.
With the current coronavirus lockdown playing havoc with any sort of
training regime, Nzimande is using the time to help around the house and
get himself aligned for a busy second half of 2020 should racing resume.
“I am helping my father with his five cattle and it has become almost a
full-time job because we have to try and keep them healthy,” he said.
“There is also a garden at our house that I am looking after so I am trying
to keep as busy as I can. I do try and do some exercise but it is quite
difficult with the current situation.”
Andrew Booyens, who coached both Birkett and Nzimande to their Dusi
win, has been in touch with the youngster and is trying
to make sure that he stays busy during the lockdown.
While there is no certainty on the ending of the lockdown, Nzimande is
hoping that he can get back to training soon, something that he is looking
forward to.
“I cannot wait to get back in my boat and get back on the water,” he
enthused. “I am trying to keep myself motivated during this lockdown.
“The year has started really well for me so I am quite frustrated with the
current situation but there is nothing I can do to change that so I need to
look forward.
“I would like to do the Berg again this year and then it is the Fish
Marathon so there is a lot to focus on.”
Nzimande has completed four Berg’s in his career and knows what comes with
the grueling four day race through the Swartland, but sees it as part of a
bigger picture.
“If the
Change a Life Academy
does manage to race the Berg there won’t be too much
time to prepare so I might use it as part of my training for the rest of
the year.
“The Fish is a race that I enjoy and I want to do well this year in my K1
because Msawenkosi (Mtolo) and I finished eleventh last year in a K2 which
was my best result.
“A lot of people don’t like the rapids but I love them and see the Fish as
a great way for me to improve my river skills.
“You don’t have to be as fit because of the amount of water but it tests
you in other ways,” Nzimande added.
The ambitious youngster is looking even further with the 2021 Dusi Canoe
Marathon already on his mind.
“Following in Dusi legend, Sbonelo Kwela’s footsteps, Khumbulani has shown
what a whole bunch of hard work, discipline and pushing your limits can
achieve,” said Martin Dreyer, Change a Life Academy Founder.
“His recent Dusi victory, has stoked the coals amongst the Change a Life
youngsters, that achieving your dreams is possible.”
“I want to improve on my K1 result from last year where I finished fourth,”
Nzimande added.
“If I carry on working hard and training hard there is no reason why I
can’t push for a podium – that’s the goal for next year’s race,” he
mentioned confidently.
ENDS
|
Photo |
Caption |
Photographer
Credit |
Click to
download the hi-resolution pic |
 |
Change a Life
Academy logo - jpeg |
|
 |
 |
Young FNB Change a Life
Academy ace Khumbulani Nzimande remains upbeat that racing will continue
later this year despite the coronavirus lockdown currently in place
nationwide. |
Supplied/
Gameplan Media |
 |
 |
It was a dream come true for
24 year-old FNB Change a Life Academy star Khumbulani Nzimande (right)
when he won the Dusi Canoe Marathon with Andy Birkett (left) in February. |
Supplied/
Gameplan Media |
 |
Conditions of usage of photographs:
All photographs supplied and hyperlinked herewith may be used free of
charge, with full credit to the photographer and agency as provided. The
photographs may not be modified or retouched in any way, but may be
cropped to suit the layout requirements of the publications. The
photographs provided may be used exclusively for editorial purposes, and
may be reprinted in any newspaper, magazine, television programme or on
any website. These photographs may not be used for any commercial or
promotional purpose, including but not limited to posters, advertisements,
commercials, promotional email correspondence, point-of-sale material or
any retail promotion. Should such usage be desired, please contact us at
the details below. |
Is this of no value to you?
This media release is intended for use by media professionals covering
this specific activity or sport. Should this release not be relevant you,
please
advise us immediately
and we will be glad to remove your name from
this particular database. It would be useful to us if you could advise us
which subjects you would like to continue receiving releases on. |
For any further information, or if you
cannot access the images, or if you need alternative images, please contact:
Gameplan Media
(031) 764 3017
 |