After only two years of competitive racing, Celinto’ndikwenzele managed to win a bakkie during the Berlin November traditional horse racing extravaganza staged in Berlin over the weekend.
Celinto'ndikwenzele – the fastest sprinter in the wafa wafa umhambo traditional horse race – is owned by Safa Nec member Xolile Nkompela, who was ecstatic after they won the Toyota Hilux long-base bakkie worth R250,000.
In the wafa wafa thoroughbreds final, 2017 winner Final Judgement, owned by Lopez Magongo, defended her title when she came out tops again for the second year running.
In the wafa wafa indigenous horse race, Sigwebo, owned by Bulelani Ndandani, came tops to scoop the R100,000 grand prize, also won by Final Judgement.
“There’s a long history of horse racing in my family. We grew up breeding and racing horses, so today that was rewarded with this car.
“Now we are passing this tradition on to our sons who are riding these horses because this is like a heritage to us,” said Nkompela.
“There are many horses which we have owned and they’ve also won many things for generations.
“Even the jockey who won this car started racing when he was 10 years old – Owethu Nkompela is my brother’s son.”
Nkompela said he had groomed Celinto’ndikwenzele with the help of family and friends.
“I’m happy because we had more than 60 supporters from Qumbu and Tsolo to support these horses and they came with their own transport. Even when I went to compete in Newcastle, there were about six combies transporting our supporters and even there this horse won R35,000.
“Between January and now, Celinto’ndikwenzele has won more than R500,000,” Nkompela said while feeding his horses a healthy diet which was vital to their success.
His family’s love for them also played a role.
“Everyone loves these horses, whenever they are going to compete.
“I want to say thank you to Mhlontlo Municipality and OR Tambo Municipality, their councillors are here to support these horses.”
Nkompela said he would give the car to his wife, who would celebrate her birthday on Saturday.
“She’s always by my side supporting me with these horses, so I’m going to donate this car to her as a present that was given to her by the horse she loves so much.
“When I’m away from home, she’s always there to take care of these horses because she’s got a passion for horses.
“No one from where I’m from ever thought a horse would come back home with a brand-new vehicle – this horse made history here today.”
He also thanked the traditional leaders in the Mhlontlo area.
“My traditional leaders would have been here today to witness this. Unfortunately, Amampondomise royal house were burying Queen Nolitha.
“We were supposed to be there as well, but we were given the opportunity by traditional leaders to come here and compete.
“So lastly, I want to say to horses breeders that they should love their horses and not abuse them because my horses are well-balanced because of the love we give to them.”..