By Chris Totobela
In this week’s Women’s Month women-in-sport series, Grocott’s Mail introduces the only tug-of-war athlete in Makhanda – Sindiswa Nyamande.
Nyamande joined the tug-of-war team unexpectedly. “I was in a running competition in the Free State in 2014 when I was approached by a group of ladies who went there for a tug-of-war competition but were short of one woman to complete their team. I decided to go and help them as I was still waiting for my race to begin a few hours later. I kind of liked the sport at first attempt and never looked back since then.”
Nyamande has since been included in the Eastern Cape tug-of-war team and has been competing at the highest level for the past few years. She shared a few tips with Grocott’s Mail.
“In this sport you have to do a lot of running to make sure that you maintain your body weight as weight forms an integral part of this sport. There is also a certain way that one needs to master when holding that rope to avoid any injuries.”
Nyamande says tug-of-war teaches her team work, discipline and the ability to work under pressure and fight for each other. She has plans to start her own team in the near future and share her expertise with the young people of Makhanda. She also admitted that being the only one in this sport in Makhanda makes life difficult for her as she does not have anyone around to sharpen her skills.
“I do all the necessary training but that is not enough as I need people that I can practise with using the rope as I cannot pull it alone.”
Nyamande says Makhandans should feel free to try the sport as it is fun and challenging. Nyamande enjoys different sports and spends most of her time in sports – she is a long distance runner and is also a boxing coach. She also encouraged women to participate in sport.
“It is important for our women in Makhanda to make time and participate in sport. This will help them with their own health and keep their bodies in good shape.”
Nyamande aspires to be a good example to young people and dismisses the myths of having sports that are only for men.
