Mzukisi (Skeezo) Vicani - BMX Team Manager

Getting to know Skeezo:

I am the BMX team manager at the Velokhaya BMX Oval.

I first became involved with the LCA in 2006 through my brother who was a team manager at the Academy. This is where I met Amos and then last year I was asked to manage the BMX team.

I would like to become one of the country's first black coaches in BMX and to meet the European standards.

Before joining the LCA I was involved in many community projects such as a music group, supporting group, and agricultural projects.

We need to expand our focus beyond training the kids. We need to participate in more national events and championships and the Olympic Games.

At the moment I am training around 60 riders and many more want to join on a daily basis. Out of 60 riders we have six girls (three in the 11 year age group and three in the nine year age group).

I face challenges such as a shortage of bikes as more riders want to join but we don't have bikes for all of them. This is a big challenge because we do not want to send them away. Being a new project we also face challenges such as the lack of electricity, shortage of equipment and the money to maintain the track to meet national standard.

My recipe for success is hard work and dedication and I also think that if the riders are able to participate in some competitions and championships they will be even more motivated.

The best part of the job is watching my riders growing in this sport, to be part of their lives and to be able to motivate them and help them to be disciplined.

I am inspired by Amos Ziqubu and Luthando Kaka because they prove that everything is achievable if you put your mind to it.

My mother has always given me good advice as she gave as much as she could give to her children and I intend to do that to my own.

As a branch manager of the BMX Oval I have to come up with ideas, communicate with people and do some research. This is all new and challenging for me.

I overcome these challenges by staying focused and dealing with every challenge as it comes along.

My message to the youth is to grab opportunities as they come because unlike before, the opportunities are there and they are waiting for young people to take them and work hard at them. Also education is the key, not just schooling but also to educate oneself in every aspect of one's life.

My wish for the LCA is that my BMX riders will be able to compete nationally and even internationally - this will allow us to grow the sport.

I am a big fan of Eddie Murphy and enjoy watching his movies.

I was born on February 21, 1978 in Ashton.

I live in Khayelitsha.

I am unmarried and have one child, a five-year old girl.

I enjoy cycling socially.

None of my family members are involved in cycling at the moment - although my brother was involved as a team manager.

I enjoy everything about cycling; it has many challenges and is very interesting.

In my spare time I relax by being around my daughter, going shopping with her and watching movies.

Profile date: October 2009