Ayanda Magadla - Club Liaison Officer

Getting to know Ayanda:

I am the Club Liaison Officer.

I became involved with the LCA when the LCA merged with the Khayelitsha Millennium Cycling Club.

Before joining the LCA I was the Secretary of the Khayelitsha Millennium Cycling Club.

A typical day for me is to ensure that the branches receive the assistance they require and that the Branch Managers also know their duties. The main focus is the development of members in the sport as the sport is still new in our communities. This requires communication with the office so that we are able to assist them effectively.

At the moment I am monitoring about 50 cyclists in the club. This ranges from their training, their problems and their education and I assist where the need arises.

I face challenges such as reports about members not coming to the training, due to different reasons. At times children experience problems with their bikes and they cannot attend training.

My recipe for success lies in commitment, dedication, teamwork, honesty and loyalty.

The best part of the job for me is that I get to know all the names of the cyclists because I also meet them daily. I enjoy taking their times during training sessions and reporting on their performance.

I am inspired by Amos Ziqubu for his ability to identify potential in cyclists; he has an eye and ways of doing things with the club and the community at large.

The best advice given to me is: 'To always have a positive attitude; always have respect for other people. Never underestimate other people, love those who don't like you as they will see their problems' - advice from my belated father.

Money is the only problem if I may mention when it comes to me achieving my goals, as I must support my family and relatives.

I overcome challenges by observing, planning and taking determined action.

My message to the youth of today is - "Participate in sport to stay healthy and safe. Always have respect and honesty. Education is the key to success."

My wish for the LCA would be for enough funds to be made available in order to grow its base; to have the money to build a Centre for cyclists and to support them through their education.

I was honoured to meet Bjarne Riis, Manager of Team CSC, who visited the club and who supported us.

I was born on July 2, 1977 in the Peninsula Hospital, Cape Town.

I live in H-Section, Khayelitsha.

My home is in the Eastern Cape in Queenstown where I grew up and my mother and other family members are there. I normally visit when I get time.

I am married with two children, a son and daughter ages four and eight months.

I cycle socially.

I love cycling because it makes me fit and introduces me to new places. We also get assistance and guidance in terms of nutrition and it gives one an opportunity to show ones ability against different people.

I first cycled when I joined the club in 2002. As I saw the performance of the kids, I also wanted to check my performance. We rode to Stellenbosch and as there were only two of us I found it very hard in the climbs and I came back in a car.

I enjoy listening to music, reading papers and watching TV; road running early in the morning everyday and sometimes climbing very steep hills.

I am currently working as an Admin Clerk for Siphamandla Senior Secondary School in Kuyasa, Khayelitsha.

Profile date: October 2009