Heiko Guther will soon become the most feared blocker both in the indoor format of the game and on the national beach volleyball circuit. That’s the prediction from the volleyball ‘’pundits’’.
Nineteen- year- old Heiko’s imposing 2,06m tall frame at the net will be daunting for opposition attackers as the youngster’s huge outstretched hands covers a large part of the net giving attackers little or no space to manoeuvre past his block.
Joining Pretoria based Tuks Volleyball Club’s development programme as a 14 -year- old ‘eager to learn’ youngster paved the way for greater things to come in Heiko’s pursuit of being amongst the best in his age category.
At the tender age of 14 Heiko articulated his ambitions when he said: ‘’ I am waiting patiently for a break to play in the Tuks’ senior men’s team and maybe one day represent my province (Gauteng) in VSA’s IPT and the cherry on the top will be representing South Africa internationally.’’
Heiko did not have to wait long for his break as his imposing 2,06m height and his crushing power attacking ability soon prompted the Tuks’ coach to include him in the Tuks’ senior men’s line up. Presently Heiko is central to Tuks’ defence at the net.
While Heiko cemented his place as a middle blocker at Tuks, beach volleyball soon fascinated him. While playing beach volleyball regularly as a summer code Heiko’s passion for the sport spiked, ‘’threatening’’ to lure him away from the indoor format of the game, much to the discontent of his Tuks comrades.
Heiko’s prowess as a beach volleyball player soon caught the attention of VSA who chose him and his partner Marco Franse, also from Pretoria to represent South Africa at the FIVB u19 World Beach Volleyball Championship in Thailand. Their hopes of playing internationally were dashed when the host country, Thailand imposed a temporary ban on flights from the African continent during the Covid-19
period.
However, it was second time lucky for Heiko as he and his new beach volleyball partner, Deloshen Valaitham from KZN depart for Turkey on Tuesday (13 September) to represent South Africa at the FIVB u19 World Beach Volleyball Championship. Heiko’s dream of representing South Africa internationally has
become a reality in a short space of time.
VSA President Mr.Anthony Mokoena heaped praise on Heiko and his beach partner, Deloshen for their dedication and commitment shown at the training camps in Durban in preparation for the global showpiece. Mr.Mokoena conveyed the good wishes of the volleyball fraternity to the duo and their coach, Kiruben Naicker and reminded them that although their main task was to compete on the international
arena as South Africa’s representatives they must be mindful that they are also young ambassadors of our country.
Released by
DONOVAN NAIR
VSA SG
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