Flashy cars and mansions in the suburbs are one’s first thoughts when thinking of a career in sports. Still, behind the scenes, one finds that the reality of playing a sport as a job comes with significant rules, regulations and the art of maintaining self-discipline. When looking at the likes of Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiger Woods, the eye sees a glamorous life with endless cash flow. That may be the case for some foreign professional (pro) athletes, but very few in South Africa even make it to such a level overseas.

While some athletes make millions, many others cannot survive and need to take on a second job. This can be exceptionally challenging because a sports career requires the total dedication of one’s time that goes into physical training and the study of a constantly evolving game. Being a pro athlete can be very satisfying and comes with rewards if the athlete is exceptional at the sport and has financial stability before entering a sports career, providing security. Doing something for the right reasons is essential in life. Being a pro athlete means pushing beyond your physical and mental limits to be among the best because very good is just not enough.

Often, pro athletes ask themselves whether the struggle is even worth it. In conversation with Alwande Sikhosana, South Africa’s no.2 Wheelchair Tennis Player, he expresses the joys and sorrows of being a pro athlete in South Africa.

“In the world we live in today, it has become a shameful reality that money does indeed talk, and this reality reflects in the sports world of South Africa too. The more money you have and the more connections you have translates into a better chance of turning professional or “pro”. Being the best and playing for the first team requires much financial investment. This assists in purchasing the correct equipment, paying for additional training and, at times, travel expenses to competitions. Unfortunately, financial support through salaries and sponsorships is only provided to top athletes in certain sports such as rugby, soccer and cricket, while the more “menial sports are overlooked.”

The athletes in these sports survive solely on their prize money from competitions. While there is no valid reason as to why there is a lack of funds and support, there is the hope that still lives in these pro athletes that one day all sports shall be accounted for.

Alwande further expresses, “Youth who take up sports as a career in South Africa most times start it as a hobby and later realise that their talent could take them to the top. For someone from a disadvantaged background, it may seem like a dream come true as it did for me, but little did I know that my passion for the game would be challenged to the limits of breaking point. “I love tennis, I am tennis, and I have dedicated my whole life to the sport, driving myself harder each day to become the best. Ranking no. 2 in South Africa has little meaning to me regarding my financial career.

It is a great achievement, and I am truly proud of myself, but the depressing side is that I have nothing to show for it, nothing to provide for my family. Years of training in the hot sun and harsh winter weather are getting me nowhere for now, and the excitement I once felt on the tennis court has been drained away by stress and worry about what tomorrow may or may not bring. I have been the World no. 2, and I can certainly become the World no.1; I know I am good enough, and although my excitement has faded, my passion and drive keep me going, training day after day, living in the hope that support will come my way”

Alwande Sikhosana encourages today’s youth to follow their passion and not seek inspiration or recognition from anyone but within. He says the youth must believe in themselves and trust that God’s timing is the best. When pushed for closing remarks, Alwande expresses that “there is a dire need for sponsorships within the sports industry of South Africa.” Pro wheelchair tennis players have to spend vast amounts of money to perform in competitions throughout Europe. The more competitions they compete in determines the points received, meaning the more matches they play, the more points gained, and the more points they earn determines their ranking on the world chart.

To achieve his goal, Alwande must compete in at least eight tournaments yearly. Still, without sponsorship, this is an impossibility, yet his determination and the faith he holds on to lead him to believe that one day he will raise the World’s no.1 Wheelchair Tennis Player cup.

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