Thousands raised for athlete attacked by vicious gang

By Daily Sports on March 9, 2018

 

A crowdfunding campaign has raised more than $33,000 (£24,000) for the South African athlete who was attacked by a gang who tried to saw his legs off.

The fund was set up on Wednesday after news of the horrific attack on Mhlengi Gwala began to spread around the world.

He was doing triathlon training in Durban when he was pulled into bushes by attackers who used a chainsaw to cut into his legs before he escaped.

He is now “doing well” after surgery, an official told the BBC.

Dennis Jackson, director of the elite athlete programme for KwaZulu-Natal province, told the BBC’s Newsday programme they would be doing everything possible to get Mr Gwala back on his feet.

Mr Jackson said he was sure Mr Gwala – a “shining ambassador” for triathlon in South Africa – would compete again, although at what level remained to be seen.

But he added: “Don’t be surprised if in a year or two, we see him back on the world stage.”

The story sent shockwaves through South Africa and beyond, leading one South African to set up the BackaBuddy fundraising page to “get Mhlengi back on his bike”.

The money raised – which stood at 400,000 rand ($33,550; £24,175) as of Thursday morning – will help with medical bills and rehabilitation costs, the site says.

Mr Gwala was due to compete in the South African national championships this month and has twice represented the country in international competitions.

His money, phone and bicycle were not stolen and the motive for the attack is still unclear.

Mr Jackson paid tribute to the athlete’s determination and mental strength: “Like a lot of young kids, he had a bit of trouble growing up but he decided that he wanted to change his life and take up sport, and that’s what he did.

“So when people ask me now: ‘Is he going to overcome this?’ I say, ‘For sure. He’s got the mind, he’s got the will, he’s got the strength.’” (BBC)

•Photo shows triathlethe Mhlengi Gwala

Source Daily Sports

Posted March 9, 2018


 

You may also like...
Alexander Zverev sinks Daniil Medvedev to win ATP...

Man United To Sell Smalling To Fund Koulibaly...

Higuain makes it 100 in Juve win

VAR Denies Man City Victory in Thrilling Tottenham...

Moses Simon Shines As Diallo Fires Strasbourg Past...

Neymar Involves Self In Politics

 

Latest News CAF Award: Hedriel congratulates Lookman, says his award will inspire him to work harder Managers deserve 'more respect' - Postecoglou Man City's Dias ruled out for 'three or four weeks' I put him in retirement, Dubois mocks Joshua EPL: Man Utd’s Mount out for weeks as injury struggles persist Fury, Usyk talk tough ahead rematch Carragher urges Rashford to move on from Man United Fury and Usyk in astonishing 11-minute face-off Liverpool draw Tottenham in EFL Cup semi-finals LeBron James sets new NBA record in Lakers win Lookman’s market value hits €55m FIFA rankings: Eagles end 2024 in 44th place

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (55,207 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (46,351 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (44,408 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (44,051 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (43,988 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (43,952 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (43,787 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (43,355 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (42,426 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (41,094 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (39,542 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (38,974 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media