International student athlete Jesse Ndjeka’s journey to Olympic fencing dreams
The 24-year-old is part of Cleveland State University’s Division 1 team and has already made history by collecting national titles. He is now aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, all while balancing academics and life abroad.
- Jesse Ndjeka
- Fencing Federation of South Africa (FFSA)
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
South African student-athlete Jesse Ndjeka competes in the Division 1 Fencing Team at Cleveland State University. Picture: Supplied.
JOHANNESBURG – South African fencer Jesse Ndjeka has carved a place for himself among America’s top College athletes.
The 24-year-old is part of Cleveland State University’s Division 1 team and has already made history by collecting national titles. He is now aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, all while balancing academics and life abroad.
Eyewitness News spoke to him about his fencing journey.
“I ended up at Cleveland State University after my former coach, Andy Tulleners, recruited me. It was always a dream of mine to come to America and in Matric, my fencing results made the dream possible. My parents were skeptical but extremely supportive,” said Ndjeka.
South African student-athlete Jesse Ndjeka competes in the Division 1 Fencing Team at Cleveland State University. Picture: Supplied.
The youngster who competes in the men's epee said he got into the sport because of his brother, but felt that for him, fencing was a calling.
“I got into fencing because of my older brother. I decided to stay in the sport because it honestly felt like it was calling to me. I’ve played a lot of sports in the past, but none have really given me more purpose than fencing. It’s given me multiple opportunities and an amazing community I am privileged to call family.”
Ndjeka has qualified for the junior and senior national teams, claiming two league championships.
“I recently graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology along with two minors in Neuroscience and Human Resources Management. Currently, I am getting my master’s in business administration with the dream to someday work in the healthcare industry.”
South African student-athlete Jesse Ndjeka competes in the Division 1 Fencing Team at Cleveland State University. Picture: Supplied.
He told EWN that during his time as a student-athlete, he had learned to become comfortable with uncertainty.
“In that, I understand that motivation isn’t even half of what is needed to succeed. And as a result, I’ve learned discipline, patience, and developed an unwavering faith in my capabilities.”
On how the South African fencing scene compares to the rest of the world, he said, “In all honesty, the SA fencing scene pales in comparison. We have the talent capable to compete with the rest of the world but we just don’t have the infrastructure to consistently develop that talent. The rest of the world also just beats RSA in sheer numbers of events and competitors.”
The South African qualified twice for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAAs), won Cleveland State University’s first-ever Central Collegiate Fencing Championship Individual title, and achieved a preliminary top 64 result at the 2024 Vancouver World Cup.
“The support structure I have with me consists of my family back home, my teammates here with me in the States, and all the friends and coaches I met along the way. My family helps me remember where I’ve come from and to keep my core values intact, my teammates help me stay disciplined and focused on the bigger picture, and my coaches and friends keep me tethered to real life and put things into perspective. Really blending my athletic aspirations with my life goals.”