An 18 year-old Roller Skater from Kwakwatsi Koppies, in the Ngwathe Local Municipality, Samuel Ramohlokoane, announced his first arrival in the International Roller Skating Competition by claiming 2 gold and 3 silver medals.
Ramohlokoane, a member of the Kwakwatsi Roller Skating Club, competed together with his teammates from various places in South Africa at the African Championships in Egypt, from the 2nd to the 5th May 2026, thanks to the Roller Sport South Africa.
He joined the club years back, as one of the most quiet yet humble skaters. Among his other achievements, Ramohlokoane has in 2025 won 6 gold, and 1 bronze medals in various competitions.
The Kwakwatsi Roller Skating Club was formed by Ntaoleng Thatohatsi Mngomezulu, in the early 2000s, and was accepted by Roller Sport South Africa, and started competing representing kwakwatsi and free state province in annual championships competitions.
Speaking to Puisano news, Thatohatsi Mngomezulu said the club was formed as a fight back against many social ills that were destroying the future of young people in Kwakwatsi, such drugs and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy and other related substances.
“Skating is not a popular sport in our communities, and i needed something that will be challenging for our young people, something people would say is impossible to do, to let people know that nothing is impossible” said Thatohatsi Mngomezulu
Kwakwatsi Roller Skating Club has been standing strong, and also known as the palm tree on all sport codes, winning 10 or more medals in every championship.
“The youngest skater we have is 8 years, with 4 gold medals for the 2025 championship, the oldest is 33. Our skaters are like coming from one big house full of respect and humbleness, the team instil discipline and spirit of sharing and loving everyone equally”
The team compete in annual champions and trials every year depending on funding received by Roller Sport South Africa.
As the team is without any kind of sponsorship, it is faced with many challenges such as uniforms, food, accommodation, transport and injuries.
“Also without a proper training facility, the team is forced to train on the outskirts, with lots of risks including accidents from vehicles. In most cases I have to use money from my own pocket to cover some of the costs and expenses involved in running the club,’ said Mngomezulu.
The team’s biggest challenge now is to register for 2026, and be able to pay a fee to the Fezile Dabi Sports Confederation, to be fully recognized.
After this magnificent performance by Ramohlokoane, that proves hardwork and dedication behind the scene, Mngomezulu is hoping a good Samaritan will one day come their way.
The team would like to extend its thanks and appreciation to the Roller Sport South Africa for its continuous support with skating equipment, trips etc”
