Koloko on a mission to spread the goalball word

“Our athletes are superstars with the kindest, most welcoming personalities. I want the world to see that.”

These are the words of Muya Koloko, the SASAPD goalball national code convenor. The 40-year-old from the Johannesburg suburb of Sandton, Johannesburg, began his journey to becoming a national code convenor after moving to Cape Town to study at UCT.

“I was first exposed to goalball ten years ago when I was the transformation officer for the UCT Student Sports Union. My portfolio was aimed at making sport more inclusive. I found that sport was more focused on gender and race than disabilities, so that is what I wanted to change,” said Koloko.

Once Koloko shifted his attention to disabilities, he was immediately drawn to goalball. “I found the sport fascinating. The reliance on communication and trust between teammates makes or breaks your success. The community within the sport was very welcoming to me and that further grew my passion.”

The love Koloko has developed for his code is clear in his ambitions going forward and the reasons for his motivation. “I want people to realize that these athletes are superstars. I want to get into an Uber, for example, and have the driver bring up our national team or an upcoming event.

“Our short-term plan includes a webinar series to help people understand the basics and rules of goalball. Long-term, I am aiming to expand our competition to our neighbouring countries rather than competing only within South Africa. I believe that this community can go beyond our borders, and through connection with our neighbours, we can grow African Goalball to the highest level.”

Koloko embodies the ethos of SASAPD. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is driven to improve and grow goalball through his undeniable passion and love for the athletes and the overall community that is continuing to expand.

Next up on the calendar is the second webinar of the series, taking place on 18 July at 10:00am.