Mr Edward Nekokwane (64), a retired policeman, former soccer star and presently a track runner, became the toast of his community after winning the 100m race during the Provincial Golden Games for elderly citizens, held at the Malamulele Stadium on Tuesday, 4 October. This means that he gets to represent the Limpopo province at the National Golden Games, to be held in Cape Town on 23 October this year. He runs under the banner of the Makhado Old Age Club.
In his hey days, Nekokwane, popularly known as 'Vho Shower', used to play for the mighty Tshithuthuni Remember My Promise FC.
Club coordinator Mr Tshilidzi Samuel Mukwevho is ecstatic about Nekokwane's success. "We started the games on 17 August, at the Ha Rabali Stadium, were Nekokwane won the 100m, 200m walk and soccer but, as he had to choose a single item to participate in, I advised him to choose the 100m. He obliged, and on the 14th of September he paved his way further after winning the same race at the Makwarela Stadium. The most recent race at the Malamulele Stadium was a do-or-die but, as always, he persevered and once again triumphed to proceed to the finals. I am so excited and filled with hope that he will make us proud by winning again and making our province the champions," he said.
Mukwevho said they were steadily preparing for the Games in Cape Town. "He is presently suffering from a bout of flue but, as we still have a few days left, I believe he will be fit for the race and I have no doubt he is going to make it again."
Nekokwane is in high spirits over the upcoming race. "I worked very hard to get to where I am today, and I cannot afford to be beaten at the finals. I am doing light exercises in preparation for the big day. I will not disappoint and everyone should know that the prize is coming back to Limpopo. We will celebrate as a community when I return with the prize," he said.