Pfariso Rakonanani, one of Vhembe's most talented disabled athletes, has qualified for the National Championship for the Physically Disabled, which takes place in Cape Town between April and March 2023.
During the trials, which were held in Louis Trichardt on Saturday (12 November), Rakonanani qualified for the 100- and 200-meter events in the T-46 category. He says that what makes him the happiest is the fact that he recruited two other disabled people from his village, Mulisa Mudzanani and Ndivhuwo Gethe, to also take part in the trials, and both qualified for the national championship with him.
"I recruited Mulisa and Ndivhuwo a few months ago. They didn't know about sports for people with disabilities because they attended normal public schools, with able-bodied children. I am very happy that they also qualified. I see my village being represented by three people in the next Paralympics," he said.
Rakonanani, who hails from Sambandou, was born with deformed arms and hands, but his disability has not stopped him from setting goals for himself. His athletics career took off when he was in primary school. "I competed with kids who were not disabled and outran them all. At the time I didn't even know that I was disabled, thinking that I just had shorter arms than others," he said.
After he completed Grade 4, his parents sent him to Tshilidzini Special School, where his talent was discovered by one of his teachers, Mr Tshifhiwa Netshitanini. "One day he sent me on an errand and said I must run as quick as possible and come back immediately. Within minutes, I was back, and he was very surprised. That same afternoon, he took me to the sports field to compete with the others during training sessions, and I ran faster than all of them. The rest, as they say, is history."
Rakonabani has won three gold medals in the 100- and 200-metre races during his student years. His aim now is to qualify for the 2024 Paralympics in France. He is, however, pleading with the government and the business community for a sponsorship, so that he can properly prepare for the Olympics.
"I am struggling to buy decent running shoes and a tracksuit. A sponsorship will be much welcomed," he said.
Anyone who might be able to help can contact Rakonanani on 076 328 8815.