GABA - A promising local cyclist, Justice Makhale, has packed his bags and headed for Pretoria where he joined the Tuks Cycling club in the University of Pretoria.

According to Mr Kenneth Neluvhalani, Sports Manager at the University, Makhale joined the club a fortnight ago. Neluvhalani said Makhale would be roped into the sport development programme of the University's club so that he can participate competitively.

He said Makhale will also be involved in all the competitions that other club members will take part in. "Like some few club members from outside the institution, Makhale will get a full kit and a cycle that he will use for practice and competitions. In other words, he will be looked after at in all respects, including the servicing of his cycle. He is going to be supported fully," said Neluvhalani.

Makhale (26) of Gaba was a member of Tshakhuma Cycling team since August 2002. He also represented the province and his area by participating in a Cycling Competition held on November 17, in Gauteng, AA Khayalami.

He joined the Tshakhuma Club through the link of the same Kenneth Neluvhalani, who was running Sports Coaches Outreach Programme (Score) project in Tshakhuma.

In that competition, Makhale took position two in the 94.7km race with a time of 3:27.

Makhale, who rents a flat in Pretoria, said he was happy that he has found a club that will help him make his dream of becoming a word champion come true.

Neluvhalani said he was happy that a rural boy like Makhale has joined the Tuks Club. "It is good that he has joined this club for a sport which was dominated by one side of the community before.

"I hope this will encourage other people, especially from disadvantaged communities to be involved in other sporting codes as well. Although we have other few black members from the community in the club, I take this boy as a role model as he is from a disadvantaged community and a poor family, said Neluvhalani.