David Zondi, 14, is a young man to watch. His natural sporting abilities are quite phenomenal. His school sports' coaches at the Hillcrest Christian Academy have noticed his talents and he has been selected for the 1st teams in cricket, rugby, soccer and hockey. He was first in his age group in cross country and was selected for the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Schools team for cross country last year.   This achievement is even more astounding when you contemplate that he has only recently begun participating in these sports and is already proving his worth on the field. What makes his story inspiring is that it was a mere three years ago that David found himself in a very different situation. He was vulnerable, like so many other South African children, having lost his parents at a young age. Fortunately he was embraced by Focus on iThemba and a loving new family in the Joshua House.

Please click on the image above to enlarge.

 

Located near Hillcrest in KwaZulu-Natal this non-profit organisation provides a sanctuary to children in the form of a new home headed by married parents who care for up to six children. Quality cluster foster care driven by genuine love and support is provided. Joshua House is headed by a vibrant couple, Shane and Lara Whittaker. The couple have two children of their own and were excited to extend their family. David was one of the first to join the family and has adjusted incredibly well. His self-belief has simply soared. Lara shared her thoughts with regards to what she perceived to be the biggest change in David since he joined her family and the secret to his sporting success.

 

"He demonstrates humility and now also recognises his errors and apologises, which is a wonderful quality. As a sportsman he is extremely committed, dedicated to his practice sessions and gives of his all in these sessions.
He is a natural competitor," she explained.

 

Having a loving secure family to return to after an afternoon of hard training is definitely an added factor to his new found success.

 

"As a family we interact with respect, kindness, humility, honesty and openness. We share lots of laughs. These are ongoing principles that we consistently try to show to our children and thereby lead by example," said Lara.

 

Lara and Shane are hopeful that David will achieve in whatever he puts his hand to and realise his potential as a sportsman. "We trust that he will be responsible with the talents that he has been gifted with and hope that after he completes his schooling he will obtain a degree or diploma to back up his dream of becoming a South African cricketer."

 

iThemba are positive that coupled with his determination and passion David is well on his way down that grass green path.

 

Pic: David Zondi has benefited immensely from his new family at iThemba and is proving his worth on the sports field, with hopes of one day playing cricket for South Africa.

 

 

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