Latest news with #AshaySewlall
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
From scoring goals to marathon roles: Ashay Sewlall's inspiring journey of grit and grace
Ashay Sewlall (24) who participated in the Diski Challenge and later took on the Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied In the world of sports and fitness, few stories exemplify resilience and passion quite like that of Ashay Sewlall. A 24-year-old former professional football player from Richards Bay, he has transitioned from competitive leagues to conquering one of the most gruelling endurance races: the Comrades Marathon. Recently relocated to Durban, Sewlall showcases not only a commitment to fitness but also a dedication to sharing his journey through digital platforms. Having played at a professional level with Richards Bay FC in the PSL from 2020 to 2024, sports have been a defining aspect of his life. 'Fitness, or should I say football, has always been my passion,' he shares, reflecting on years devoted to the sport. Now, in a bold step that merges his love for athletics with personal growth, he overcame the formidable challenge of the Comrades Marathon, looking at it not just as a physical test but as a mental milestone - one that has re-ignited his love for football. 'Running the Comrades was a test physically, but more mentally for me to get back into my love for football,' he admits. 'If I can do this, I know I can start football again from the bottom.' Determined that the journey won't be easy, he is resolute in balancing his work in logistics with the rigorous training required for both running and football. While he doesn't label himself an influencer, he connects with people simply by being himself. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Ashay Sewlall sits victorious after completing the Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied His approach to social media is refreshing; 'I post content just being me, involved in various sport activities.' He joined TikTok in 2024 and has since captured the hearts of many South Africans, creating a community of loving supporters. His enthusiasm for sharing his life resonates with his growing audience, and he speaks fluent isiZulu, which helps him connect with a broader demographic. Diving into creativity, he reflects on the biggest risks he's taken throughout his life. 'Life is about taking risks,' he states, recalling his journey from school to professional athlete. Each leap of faith he took propelled him forward: 'Without taking the risk, I would have never achieved all that I have.' His message is clear, and it's one he stands by daily - a drive that fuels him to rise each morning. 'The drive and grind in me is what wakes me up,' he explains. With the support of friends and family, the motivation to continue this journey of resilience is unwavering. Yet, with every success comes misconceptions. He acknowledges that some may think his journey is easy due to his athletic background. Ashay Sewlall all suited up ready to take on his next project. Image: Supplied 'Every day is like starting again,' he confesses, emphasising the struggles beneath the surface. The discipline of adhering to training regimes and healthy eating is a choice, one he grapples with even now. 'I love being outdoors, going for runs, and hitting the gym. Durban is beautiful; it has everything in one city,' he says. A true advocate for the city, he encourages others to experience its charm. Though his focus has primarily been on training rather than leisure, he treasures his hometown of Richards Bay, ever keen on making time for visits. As he thinks ahead to future projects, he has ambitious plans for 2025. 'I want to keep sharing my talent and explore my passions, such as dancing to different music, fitness, speaking different languages, and even acting.' For those aspiring to enter the arts or entertainment industry, his wisdom shines through. 'Be yourself, be unique, and do it your way,' he advises, reminding everyone that true authenticity sets individuals apart. In the realm of sport, his mantra remains steadfast: 'Work hard, stay humble, never give up, and always smile good or bad.'
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Supporting youth development: Ashay Sewlall's Comrades Marathon challenge
Ashay Sewlall. Image: Supplied Ashay Sewlall, a TikTok creator and former professional footballer, is tackling the Comrades Marathon to raise funds for Sinosizo Siyaphambili, a charity dedicated to uplifting disadvantaged youth. Sewlall, who recently moved from Richards Bay to Umhlanga in Durban, is a communications officer at a logistics company. Athletics is not new to the 24-year-old. He participated in athletics, soccer, rugby, hockey and cricket in school. At age 18, he played professional soccer for Richards Bay Football Club and captained the U23 team until his contract at the club ended last year. Even though Sewlall is sporty, he has not followed a training plan for the Comrades Marathon. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'I have a passion for fitness and decided the Comrades Marathon would be a challenge to see how mentally-strong I am. I love challenging myself and making my parents, family and friends proud. 'Due to relocating from Richards Bay to Durban, I haven't followed a training plan. I only did two 42.2km marathons in February and April to qualify for the Comrades Marathon. However, the Richards Bay Athletics Club knows that whether I'm ready or not, I will show up for my charity. 'I may not be prepared but I'm always ready. I think the toughest part will be after the 35 to 40km mark as that is the furthest distance I've run. I'd like to complete the Comrades Marathon in under 12 hours. As a novice, my goal is to get the medal." He said since he grew up in KwaZulu-Natal and spent most of his football journey in the rural areas, he had a strong affinity to the Sinosizo Siyaphambili. He joined the organisation at age 10. 'Sinosizo Siyaphambili is dedicated to uplifting vulnerable children and youth in under-resourced communities. They are based in the eThekwini and KwaDukuza municipalities and the organisation provides aftercare programs, psychosocial support, daily meals, and early childhood development services. 'I have been supporting Sinosizo Siyaphambili for several years, both as a volunteer and an advocate. I am passionate about youth development and believe in the power of education and nutrition to break the cycle of poverty. "My decision to run the Comrades Marathon in support of our work is just one example of my commitment to making a difference. "I always knew that one day, when I was old and smarter, I would love to help kids or anyone in need, even if I can give them hope. The most important thing in life is to make people smile and believe." The funds raised through Sewlall's Comrades Marathon campaign will go directly towards sustaining the NPO's aftercare and ECD programs, which provides daily meals, psychosocial and educational support. 'After 14 years of impact, the NPO is currently facing significant financial strain. These funds are critical, not only to continue their existing programs but also to help them keep their doors open so they can continue being a place of hope and support for the children who rely on them every day. 'I am grateful for everyone chipping in and supporting this campaign. I know that when it comes to donations for charity, it's difficult but so far it has reached the target I was hoping for."
