After an injury changed his sporting journey, Aya found a new passion in cycling. Now, through the Ikasi Cycling Club, he is helping young people discover their potential.
Cape Town, South Africa (26 October 2026) – Sometimes, making a difference starts with something as simple as sharing what you have. For Aya, it was a bicycle and a group of curious children who watched him ride through the streets of Langa.
Today, he is the founder and coach of the Ikasi Cycling Club, a community initiative that gives young people the opportunity to experience cycling without having to pay for bikes or equipment.
His story was shared by Ethan Stormfield, who documents inspiring people and the positive changes they are making in their communities.
Aya was passionate about soccer and played the sport for most of his life. However, a serious knee injury left him struggling to finish matches, forcing him to find another way to stay active.
That search led him to cycling, a sport that would eventually open the door to something much bigger than his own personal journey.
After getting his first bicycle, Aya noticed children following him almost every day as he rode. Their curiosity made him realise that some of them might also dream of owning a bike and experiencing the freedom that comes with riding one.
He decided to get another, smaller bicycle that he could give to the children. What began as a simple gesture grew into the Ikasi Cycling Club, which means township cycling club.
The club operates on the idea that young people should be able to participate without worrying about the cost of buying or renting a bicycle. The initiative also receives donations of cycling equipment from members of the cycling community.
With only a handful of bicycles available, Aya knows there is still much work to do, especially when so many young people in the community want the opportunity to ride.
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“Each kid was born to be great.”
His dream is to see the club grow, with its riders competing in races, representing South Africa and perhaps one day even taking part in the Tour de France.
Aya welcomes young men and women who want to join the club, inviting them to come together and “cycle for our lives”.
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