Teen boat ace fears water

By Wendy Sa Joe

EAST LONDON -- A young boy whose greatest fear is falling into the water took first place in the development powerboat races here at the weekend.

Siyabuswa Skosana, 14, of Baysville Special School here, had two wins and a second in his three heats to take overall honours in the development A group, followed by Jaydene Buswana, also of Baysville, with Akhona Osmond Bota of Kusile Comprehensive School in Duncan Village third.

"I'm very pleased and happy," an excited Skosana said.

"I won the first race on Saturday and one of the races on Sunday. But I still won overall."

Ten youngsters from the East London area participated in the National Ports Authority (NPA)-Mercury Development Powerboat races which took place at the NPA festival over the Easter weekend.

Spectators saw good and close racing among the 10 drivers aged 10 to 16 from local communities.

"The 10 selected children have all adapted to powerboat racing and now see water as a form of sport and recreation," Powerboat South Africa (PSA) local development programme training officer Terence Downey said.

The East London youngsters represent the Kusile Comprehensive School, Cambridge Junior School, John Bisseker Secondary School, Port Rex Technical School, Pefferville Primary School, Baysville Special School, Alphendale Senior Secondary School and the Voorpos Primary School.

Skosana, who lives in Mdantsane with his family, has also won trophies and medals in tennis and music.

He was introduced to powerboat racing in September 2000.

In February, the best development drivers from around the country participated in the Junior World Cup in Cape Town. Skosana finished third.

"I was scared I was afraid I would come last. There were lots of international people participating," he said.

"My family are very happy and relieved."

The festival was a success with masses of local spectators giving their support, and enjoying a host of activities.