Two young South Africans, 15 year old Keratile Manaka and 16 year old Zalika Methula from Gauteng were recently announced as part of the team that will be representing South Africa at the FINA World Junior Diving Championships. That makes both Zalika and Keratile the first divers of colour to represent South Africa on this stage. An incredible triumph for anyone looking to pave their way to the Olympics. It’s also a historic feat in a country with such complicated past racially and the marginalization of women.
It’s beautiful and fulfilling to see that though the odds have been stacked against Black people, we are finally getting to a point where we have a growing number of ambassadors of this rainbow nation in the world’s pools.
South Africa always shines in the Aquatics at the mega events, we saw this recently at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and historically at the Olympics – we have always performed best in that genre of sport. To finally have representation in a diving global showpiece is significant, particularly for youngsters. It is truly indicative of a bright sporting future for team South Africa.
This momentous moment will teach younger girls of colour that they too can don the green and gold, not just in netball or football but the dreams can go beyond to other sporting codes.
Zalika, affectionately known as Zee, got the opportunity to travel to Budapest to represent the country at the 19th FINA World Championships Budapest 2022 and now with her close friend, side by side, Canada is the next destination for these two prodigies.
Their coach Danilo Cogrossi says while the girls are improving they do face some challenges: “We hope the weather will assist us so that we can train until the competition, we don’t have an indoor pool so when there is lightning we cannot train but I’m really happy that we have achieved so much and they are still young.”
“This is Keratile’s first competition overseas, Zalika had only one experience.
I hope they will manage the pressure. The first goal is to make it to the final – that means we have to be in the best 12 in the world. The experience they will get after this competition will help their confidence for the future.”
The FINA World Junior Diving Championships affords many of the sport’s emerging stars their first chance to compete on the world stage. This is the 24th edition with more than 250 divers from over 40 nations participating in the event.
Following the news from Swimming South Africa, both these illustrious young ladies had a chat with Lonwabo Nkohla.
Firstly congratulations on qualifying for the Junior Champs – how do you feel about representing your country on such a big stage?
Keratile – Thank you. It really means a lot. I don’t exactly know what to feel. I’m both excited and honoured but at the same time I am very nervous.
Zalika – Thank you! I feel so honoured and proud to have represented my country on such a big stage. I learnt so many lessons as the competition progressed. I look forward to continuing to represent my country at as many international competitions as possible.
You and Zalika are the first divers of colour to represent SA at the FINA Junior Diving Champs, how does that make you feel?
Keratile – It makes me feel honoured and proud to say that I can represent not just my country, but the Black race as well. It also makes me happy that I can expose diving as a sport to not only many more of the youth, but more so the Black youth.
Zalika – I’m honestly just mind blown being the first person of colour (alongside Keri) to go to World Juniors. And I truly hope that this opens the eyes of many young Black potential athletes who look like me and Keri to realise that just because the colour of your skin is different to everyone else’s doesn’t mean you don’t have the ability to accomplish a dream that may seem ‘impossible’.
You’re one of the first Black people in the sport as diving is not as popular as netball or football in our communities, for a myriad of different reasons. What attracted you to diving?
Keratile – I have always been someone who enjoys trampolines, loves swimming and the water. I once wanted to do trampoline gymnastics, but ended up doing rhythmic gymnastics. When I got to St Andrews I saw diving and instantly clicked with the sport.
Zalika – Just the fact that diving is different to many sports is what attracted me to it. One big lesson I’ve learnt from diving is the art of patience. Diving requires a lot of patience as it’s not a sport that comes easy to many people. I like the challenge diving brings.
What are you excited about the most going into the competition?
Keratile – Most definitely the adventure, going overseas for something that’s not a holiday, or watching the sport from afar but actually participating in the sport of diving.
Zalika – I’m just so grateful and excited to compete in a global event with amazing facilities. Canada is a country I’ve been dreaming to go to for years and the fact that my dream is now coming to pass reminds me of how far I’ve come. One of my biggest role models in diving, Jennifer Abel, might be watching the competition. I’m extremely excited to finally see her in person.
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