In the troubled community of Wesbank near Kuils River, a dedicated coach is using the rhythm of drummies to change young lives, but he needs help to take his girls to the nationals in Gauteng.
Wesbank is not an easy place to grow up, and for many of its young residents, the odds are stacked against them from the start.
But on an indoor soccer field next to a local Usave store, something remarkable is happening, thanks to one man’s lifelong passion for a sport widely known as drummies.
For the love of the sport
Marquin Skippers, a coach registered with the Western Province Majorettes and Cheerleading Association (WPMCA), has spent the better part of his life devoted to drum majorettes.
His love affair with the sport began at Stratford Primary School. “I fell in love with the sport since 1999 and grew up in a world of drummies everywhere,” he says. By the time he completed Grade 10, he was already coaching a primary school team. In 2003, he was formally evaluated and certified as a coach.
Four years ago, Skippers decided to bring his passion to his own backyard.
“Despite the challenges of the environment, I decided to start a team in my community for the love of the sport,” he says. It was not a decision taken lightly. Wesbank’s streets are dominated by gangsters and what Skippers calls “all bad activities”, but he refuses to let that define what is possible for the young girls in his neighbourhood.
Shaping young lives
This year, Skippers is working with a squad of around 11 girls. It is a smaller group than the 20 to 25 he has coached at various schools over the years. Training sessions begin with warm-ups before moving into the different categories required for competition.
The impact of the programme, he says, goes far beyond the field. “In the lives of young children, it teaches them respect and manners, as well as vibrant energy, making them go-getters.” He beams with pride when he talks about what he sees in his athletes. “I am proud to see each child being humble and not acting like adults, and mostly the beautiful performances on the field.”
WP colours and nationals
Two of Skippers’ athletes, Othandwyo Sifuba and Abigail Marang, earned Western Province colours this year. “The achievement of earning Western Province colours is a three-month challenge of getting judged and wearing a blazer with pride,” he says. For girls growing up in Wesbank, that blazer means the world.
His squad are hoping to make the trip to Roodepoort in Gauteng to compete at the majorette national championship in July. “My team should be outstanding performers; the whole group will attempt nationals,” he says with quiet confidence. His hopes for the experience are both grounded and generous: “They shall enjoy being there as a group.”
But getting there comes at a significant cost. The total needed for the trip stands at R110 000. Skippers has been doing what he can — hosting fundraisers to bring in funds — but the mountain is steep. “I’m asking anyone to help with anything in donations for our trip,” he says. “I would love any company to help me raise funds for nationals.”
The obstacles are real
Skippers is candid about the challenges he faces. Beyond the dangers of the community itself, he identifies two major hurdles: the attitudes of some of the parents, and the ever-present financial strain. Funding equipment, travel, and competition fees in a low-income area is a constant battle that he fights largely alone.
“I’m living in a community with lots of gangsters and all bad activities going on in this place,” he says, “but still it’s not stopping me from taking young girls in my community to teach them the sport.”
His long-term dream is for the girls to achieve national (Protea) colours. “Then my heart will be full.”
To other coaches working in difficult communities, his message is simple and sincere: “Keep on and don’t lose hope. Your faith must be strong — for the children and for the love of it.”
His call to the broader public is equally direct: “By donating any funds, you can make a difference.”
Contact Skippers on 073 716 0471.
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