Award-winning SA Wrestler Lillian Mbena hopes to fly the flag high at the Africa Games
Lillian Mbena left on Tuesday for the All-African Games where a squad of 226 athletes and 45 officials will proudly represent South Africa at this year’s 13th edition of the African Games to be held in Accra, Ghana from 8-23 March.
South African Wrestler Lillian Mbena won the Gauteng Sportswoman of the Year at the Futballing Girls Awards. Picture: Futballing Girls / Supplied.
JOHANNESBURG – South African wrestler Lillian Mbena won the Gauteng Sportswoman of the Year at the Futballing Girls Awards on Saturday.
“Winning the Gauteng Woman of the Year is a great achievement for me. This award shows that women competing in smaller sporting codes are recognised for their hard work. And I hope it will encourage other girls to never give up on their sports and to continue working hard, as it pays off.”
The athlete from Ekurhuleni was introduced to the local wrestling club by her stepdad.
“I was not interested in it but thought let me just give it a try. I mainly joined wrestling to learn self-defence but it turns out I’m good at it.”
Mbena left on Tuesday for the All-African Games where a squad of 226 athletes and 45 officials will proudly represent South Africa at this year’s 13th edition of the games to be held in Accra, Ghana from 8-23 March.
“As I head to Ghana I need to make sure that my health is good throughout the competition. My sporting code isn’t an easy one to compete in, but I made sure I only consumed the food my body needed and maintained my weight.”
Meeting weight in a designated weight class can be physically and mentally challenging. If a wrestler comes just a kilogram over their intended weight, they cannot compete. Many wrestlers spend the days before the competition losing any weight they can, largely in the form of water weight.
“To all the athletes that are preparing for the Olympic Games, they must believe in themselves and not put too much pressure. They must always focus on what they are doing. Training hard will help you to achieve your goal.”
FUNDING IS A CONTINUOUS ISSUE IN SA SPORTS
Mbena is SA’s best wrestler in her weight category and has been chosen to compete in both the Senior and Olympic Qualifier Women’s Wrestling – U76KG categories but like most athletes in South Africa lack of funding is a huge issue for her.
Talking to Eyewitness News the South African Wrestling Federation (SAWF) said Mbena was selected in two different competitions the senior for the Continental Championships and the senior Africa Oceania Olympic Qualifier.
“She has also been selected for the All African Games team to compete in Accra, Ghana in the same time period. Competing in the Games will be at no cost to the athlete apart from her daily local preparation costs.”
SAWF pointed out that they were not in a situation to afford to pay for her participation, although they wish that they could.
“The only reason she would not be able to tour the Continental Championships is due to the lack of funding.”
The athlete who is currently in Ghana says with sponsorships she could continue to represent South Africa with pride.
“I need sponsors at home they can't afford to finance most of my trips, plane tickets, accommodation, food etc are expensive. I have tried raising funds for my sports including going to the mall to ask for donations.”