Lenè Ackermann and Lehlogonolo Kgolane will lead the St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls Saints and Saintees at the annual Knight of Champions on April 18.
Kgolane will lead the Saintees, while Ackermann will be in charge of the Saints as they attempt to defend their turf and ensure the title remains at home.
Ackermann
Drum majorettes may demand precision, rhythm and discipline, but for Lene Ackermann, the passion for the sport runs deeper. It runs in the family.
Lenè Ackermann.
Ackermann will lead the school’s high school drummies team, the Saints, onto the field at the upcoming Knight of Champions, one of Gauteng’s premier drum majorette competitions, carrying both responsibility and a proud family legacy.
Ackemann’s journey into the sport was almost destined. Inspired by her mother and sister, both former drummies, she decided to give it a try.
What began as a curiosity quickly turned into a passion, and once she stepped onto the field for the first time, the bug bit and she has never looked back.
“I started in Grade Two. It’s difficult to leave once you are here. It’s very hard to let go because you have built a connection with the sport and with the people here,” she said.
The matriculant started off as a rifle and went through the ranks, earning her provincial and national colours in Grade Seven, until she became the leader of the saints.
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“I started from the bottom and worked my way up.”
Sharing her experience, Ackermann said, “I can’t imagine my life without the team and also without the sport. Every connection you build here and also the love for performing. It’s what kept me here for the past 10 years”.
Although the preparation for the Knight of Champions has been hectic, Ackermann and the girls know all their hard work will be worth it on competition day.
“We have a standard to reach. We also hold ourselves to a certain standard, and the school also expects first place from us. The aim is to ensure the title stays here,” Ackermann said.
Kgolane
She will lead the Saintees into battle at the event. She said supporters and alumni can expect fireworks when the young squad takes to the field, promising an energetic and polished performance.
“They can expect our displays like large shows, and obviously, the cheers from our supporters on the stands. We are going to give it our all,” said Kgolane.
She first took part in the sport in Grade One after witnessing a performance where the leader’s ‘wonderful displays’ convinced her to pursue drummies.
“I first saw the leader’s wonderful displays. I told myself that one day, I want to be like her. I have learnt discipline and that we must always work as a team. It’s not an individual sport. We must always listen and have respect.”
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