Siyanda Sosibo is a talented young jockey from Umlazi, a township south of Durban. Currently in his fourth year at the South African Jockey Academy, Siyanda has already achieved a lot in his career and has big dreams for the future.
Siyanda fell into the sport of horse racing because of his height and weight. He was small, and the sport requires people of his stature. Since then, he has found a love for the sport and has worked hard to improve his skills as a jockey.
One of Siyanda’s proudest moments was when he had a treble win at Vaal Racecourse in November 2022. “This was a significant achievement for me and demonstrated my skill and talent as an apprentice jockey,” he said.
The most important person in Siyanda’s life is his father. He has been a strong influence and support system for him, helping him to achieve his dreams and overcome challenges.
Siyanda’s dream for the future is to ride overseas. He has set his sights high and is determined to work hard to achieve this goal. He knows that it will not be easy, but he is willing to put in the effort and dedication required to make it happen.
Like any journey to success, Siyanda has faced challenges along the way. “When starting out at the Academy, I had to overcome doubts and insecurities about my abilities, and I know that there are more obstacles to come. However, I remain committed to my goals and even more determined to keep pushing myself to be the best that I can be,” Siyanda added.
He is grateful for the support that he has received from the Hollywood Foundation. The Foundation provided him with a bursary to study, which has been invaluable in helping him to achieve his dreams. Siyanda knows that he could not have made it this far without their support and is thankful for everything that they have done for him.
When asked for advice for aspiring jockeys, Siyanda emphasises the importance of failure. He knows that failure is a part of success and that it is important to keep pushing through setbacks and obstacles. “With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn from mistakes, I believe that anyone can achieve their dreams,” Siyanda commented.
He has already achieved a lot in his career, and he remains committed to improving his skills and achieving his goals. With the support of his family, the Hollywood Foundation, and his own determination and dedication, there is no doubt that Siyanda has a bright future ahead of him in the world of horse racing.
