Roller skater Omphemetse Ramoshaba got a hero’s welcome. Pic Thokozile Mnguni
Thokozile Mnguni
Omphemetse Ramoshaba received a hero’s welcome from his peers and staff at PHL Moraka Secondary School in Hammanskraal after returning from Egypt today.
The Grade 12 learner said he travelled to Cairo to participate in the African Skateboarding Games Championships. He said it was a proud moment for him as he performed well and brought home several medals.
Speaking to The News Desk, Omphemetse said he learnt to roller skate while playing in the streets using his brother’s roller skates.
He said his mother used to worry about him getting injured, but she is now his biggest supporter after realising his passion for the sport.
“When I started this journey, I didn’t belong to any club until someone approached me to join theirs. I had to convince my mother that this is something I enjoy doing, and I am glad she opened her heart to allow me to do what I love,” he said.
Giving a word of encouragement to his peers, Omphemetse said they should get involved in activities, as this will keep them away from wrongdoing in the streets.
His proud mother, Mpho Ramoshaba, said it is a beautiful moment to celebrate. She said she was initially not keen on him skating, as she regarded it as a dangerous sport, but now she can see that her son will go far with it. She added that being involved in sport keeps him away from trouble, and she encourages him to continue working hard in his studies.
School principal Nndivhaleni Madzena said that since Omphemetse joined the school, he has been supportive and that he sometimes goes to watch him participate in local competitions.
“He should remain disciplined and humble, as we know him, and continue working hard to make us proud as he is in Grade 12. He should leave a legacy, and we want to see him at the next World Cup, ensuring that gold medals come to South Africa,” said Madzena.