Record-breaking rower Riaan Manser has selected Soweto resident Fanafikile “Fana” Lehakha to row with him across the Atlantic Ocean in 45 days from the first week of December.
They will be alone, with no support boat in sight.
To take care of the technical side of their watery journey, the organising of satellite communication and navigational equipment is currently under way, while solar power will supply their electrical equipment on the expedition.
“Although this is my third crossing of an ocean, I am still mindful and nervous, it being Fanafikile’s first time,” said Manser.
Lehakha was chosen to row with Manser following an elimination process that sifted through 15 000 entries from across South Africa.
He said:“I feel so blessed and excited to be given this opportunity.”
Olympic gold medallist Sizwe Ndlovu was among the judges with the unenviable task of eliminating the entrants to finally settle on a worthy top 10 during the elimination process.