Паралимпийка Шерил Джеймс вывела на мировую сцену незрячего спринтера Масала Макаату

Rainy day potential to international silver: Sheryl James on mentoring Masala Makatu Palesa Manaleng 27 August 2026 | 14:24 James, an international Paralympic athlete living with cerebral palsy, stepped into coaching out of a deep desire to unlock hidden rural talent. South African Paralympian Sheryl James. Picture: Team South Africa/Facebook On a rainy day in Limpopo, elite sprinter Sheryl James watched a young runner named Masala Makatu take on the 100m, 200m and 400m races without warming up properly. Despite the rain and lack of preparation, James immediately saw something special in him. "The best way to describe it is an intangible quality in the way he carried himself around the track," James told Eyewitness News. "He showed potential as an athlete in the way he moved and demonstrated character in his engagements with everyone else." That rainy afternoon marked the start of a remarkable journey. James, an international Paralympic athlete living with cerebral palsy, stepped into coaching out of a deep desire to unlock hidden rural talent. Through her work with the IsAbility Sports Club, she took Masala, a visually impaired T12 athlete, under her wing. READ MORE: Sheryl James always giving her best winning two medals in Dubai Masala Makutu secures silver as Sinesipho Dambile cruises in Glasgow 200m South African Paralympian Sheryl James and athlete Masala Makatu at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Picture: Team South Africa/Facebook Building an elite athlete on limited resources was not easy. Early on, Masala had to train on school grounds that offered no proper running space. To prepare for major international competitions like the 2023 World Championships and the Paris 2024 Paralympics, James included Masala in her own workout sessions. The pair regularly travelled an hour to Polokwane just to train on a synthetic track, often relying on rough grass terrain and tight spaces closer to home for daily strength and technique. Their dedication paid off when Masala won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. Through it all, their bond grew into what Masala describes as a brother-sister relationship. "Trust is a major part of an athlete's path to success," James explained. "It creates a safe environment to question, explore and express discomfort when needed. That especially helps in giving space to question, disagree, solve problems and create space to learn." Coaching a visually impaired athlete while managing her own elite sprinting career required constant adaptation. " As a CP athlete, I learned to constantly adapt. Masala has also had to become adaptable to manage his own challenges," said James. Paralympian Sheryl James competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Picture: Team South Africa /Facebook To bridge communication gaps during training, they relied on patience, open dialogue, video analysis, and hands-on guidance. Balancing her personal athletic ambitions with coaching duties has been a tough task, but James remains focused on the bigger picture. Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, where Masala aims to run sub-11 seconds in the sprints, James emphasises steady growth, strength building and high-level competition. Beyond medals, James hopes Masala's success will drive structural changes in South Africa, including better infrastructure, accessible transport for rural para-athletes, and greater public awareness. "The goal is clear, and we will do what we can to help get there," James. " Adapt, adapt, adapt, breathe and have as much fun along the way." Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.