Times Of Swaziland: FAMILIES MUST SUPPORT  ATHLETES – SIBANDZE’S WIFE

FAMILIES MUST SUPPORT  ATHLETES – SIBANDZE’S WIFE
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BY BHEKISISA MAGONGO on 12/10/2017 00:33:00


MBABANE – “Behind every successful man is a woman.” This age old adage
proved true for back to back Imbube Marathon 42km champion Sifiso Sibandze,
whose wife and two children were among the throngs of family members who came to
cheer their members last Sunday at Somhlolo National Stadium.
Nokuthula Dlamini brought their two children to Somhlolo National Stadium for
the big day, and her husband never disappointed as he defended his title barely
12 months after winning it.
He took home the E50 000 prize money for his achievement, but his wife revealed
the secret behind Sibandze’s success that it lied in his family’s support
before and on the day.
“We waited for him at Mbabane Bus Rank when the race had already started, and
he saw us as we waved for him, wishing him all the best. He later told us that
we were his inspiration,” she said.
She said as a family they always accompanied Sibandze whenever he went for the
Imbube Marathon. She said families should learn the culture of supporting their
relatives in sports.
“Way before the race, my husband changed his diet, removed anything starch. He
lost weight, and at times we felt like he should stop it. He persisted and we
had no choice but to rally behind him,” she said.
She said for them, his success was nothing but the fruits of his hard labour at
training.
“He was disciplined at training, at times waking up at 3am to go for a
workout. We accepted and supported his vision. His children are happy seeing him
splashed all over national newspapers.