From Khayelitsha to the world: Fencing twins set sights on gold in Nigeria

JOHANNESBURG - Phumza and Phakama Yantolo, identical twins from Khayelitsha, have carved a unique path in one of the world's most niche and strategic sports, fencing.

As part of South Africa’s senior squad heading to the African Championships in Nigeria, the sisters are not just representing their country but also continuing to inspire a new generation in an often overlooked sport.

The 24-year-old pair who have been in the sport for over a decade, are aware of the responsibility, their involvement and success in the sport places on their shoulders, something which they have embraced.

“When I started fencing 10 years ago, I never imagined competing in bigger stages like the African Champs, Commonwealth Games and world Champs. Now, having achieved all that has to be my biggest career highlights. I now have young fencers who look up to me as a role model, and I’m just doing something that I love and enjoy,” said Phakama.

The twins, along with Lexiy Lancaster make up three-quarters of the women's epee squad.

Fencing has three squads- foil, epee and saber. All three blades have their own rules and regulations, such as where to hit the opponent or the length of the bout.

Each weapon has its own characteristics, rules, and signature style.

Like in chess, fencers try to think a few moves ahead of their opponents while anticipating a countermove.

“I like fencing because it’s a unique sport that challenges me to strategic thinking. I got into fencing through Pentathlon, fencing was the first out of the 5 disciplines that I was introduced to, and I was very curious cause I’ve never seen anything like it before,” said Phumza. 

The young fencers have helped SA win the silver medal in the women’s Epee event at the U20 continental fencing championship.

“We’ve been members of the Blues fencing club since 2015. Joined the high-performance program that is run by my coach, Patrick Collings. It’s a good program that recognises upcoming fencers and challenges them to perform at a higher level. With hard work and dedication,” said Phakama.
The are looking forward to flying the SA flag high when they compete in Nigeria.

“I’m once again honoured to represent my country, hard work ahead, but I’m excited this is what I love and enjoy doing. Feels like a personal goal achieved, I’m happy and looking forward to it,” said Phakama about making the African champs team.

Facts about the sport:

The epee has a total length of 110cm, and its blade is 90cm long. 

The total weight of the weapon must be less than 770g. Like the foil, the epee is a thrusting weapon only, and the epee attack is with the point of the weapon only.

With the epee, the target area is the entire body, head to toe, including any clothing and equipment.

Unlike the sabre and the foil, with the epee, there are no right-of-way rules regarding attacks. Any hit which is made is counted. Hits are awarded solely on the basis of which fencer makes a hit first, according to an electrical recording apparatus.

The sport is costly, with Epee blades costing R13,175, an individual mask R9,065, and women's individual breeches R8,330. The Blues fencing club is looking for equipment sponsorships for individual fencers, which amount to over R130,000 per athlete.

“Fencing can be made more inclusive by establishing community fencing clubs, creating clubs in townships and rural areas and providing access to facilities, equipment and coaching. Securing sponsorship and donations for fencing equipment, reducing financial barriers to participants, said Phumza.