A dedicated South African crew is set to compete at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston this October, marking a proud milestone for local rowing.
South Africa (08 October 2025) – A team of dedicated South African rowers is preparing to make waves at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, Massachusetts, on 19 October. Set to wear the colours of Western Cape Rowing, the team, made up of Lebone Mokheseng, Sepitle Leshilo, Lwazi Zwane, and Sheldon Krishnasamy, marks a historic moment, as they will be the first full South African crew of colour to compete internationally, showcasing teamwork and representation on the world stage. They will be joined by US coxswain Keria Gotrell and guided by coach Mike Ortlepp.
They depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport today, the 8th of October, beginning their journey to represent South African rowing on the world stage.
Speaking to one of the rowers, Lebone Mokheseng said the journey to Boston has been one of perseverance.
“It’s quite exciting because it bridges a lot of gaps. Us doing this trip shows there’s hope across all diversities. It’s not just because we got this trip, it’s because we worked hard, we’ve gone to a certain point, and it’s a good chance to inspire more people.”
Forming the team was no easy feat. With members balancing careers and demanding schedules, getting a committed crew together required dedication and resilience.
“A lot of work has been put in. We started with gathering the best possible crew, getting our fitness back. Rowing fitness is really demanding. It’s like a job itself.”
The team recently completed an intensive 8-day training camp at Roodeplaat, Pretoria, home of South Africa’s national rowing course, thanks to support from Hygiene Disposables. Their hard work has paid off, earning them a place in the Championship event, where they will compete against top international university crews, including Princeton, Brown, and Cornell.
“Seeing that we went to Championship gave us confidence that our training has gone well. We’ve got an incredible team.”
Supported by international rowing advocate Arshay Cooper, the crew hopes their journey will inspire the next generation of South African rowers.
As the crew prepares to line up on the water in Boston, they carry the hopes of a growing South African rowing community.
Sources: GTG Interview
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 