Three Nelson Mandela Bay fencers are set to represent South Africa on the international stage after earning selection for the national team heading to the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Nigeria.
In a landmark achievement for Eastern Cape fencing, Paola Signorile, Marc Cronje and Caitlin Swanepoel have all secured places in the South African squad that will compete at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos from 9 to 14 August.
The trio, who train at Buffalo City Fencing Club and Excelsior Fencing Academy in Nelson Mandela Bay, have made history by becoming the first athletes from the province to achieve the milestone.
Jessica Raper, chairperson of the Eastern Cape Fencing Association (ECFA), described the selection as a defining moment for the sport in the province.
“This achievement reflects the growing strength of fencing in the Eastern Cape. Fencing is not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. It helps develop disciplined, responsible future leaders,” she said.
Experienced athletes ready for international competition
Twenty-year-old Paola Signorile is the most experienced member of the team. Currently ranked second in South Africa in Epee and first in the Eastern Cape, she began her sporting journey in modern pentathlon before focusing exclusively on fencing.
She has previously represented South Africa at the African Junior Fencing Championships in Ghana and the World Junior Championships in Cairo. The upcoming Commonwealth Championships will see her receive national colours for a third time, competing in both Epee and Foil.
Signorile, who also volunteers as a coach at Buffalo City Fencing Club, said fencing has become a significant part of her life.
Balancing sport and studies
Marc Cronje, 22, only began fencing in 2024 but has already established himself in both Epee and Sabre while balancing his academic career.
He recently completed his honours degree at the University of Cape Town and is currently studying towards a master’s degree in Criminology at the University of Pretoria.
Cronje claimed silver in the Sabre team event at the South African Senior Fencing Championships earlier this year and will make his international debut in Lagos.
Young talent continues to rise
Nineteen-year-old Caitlin Swanepoel will also make her international debut after six years in the sport.
Competing in both the Under-23 and senior Sabre categories alongside Cronje, Swanepoel represents another rising talent from Nelson Mandela Bay’s growing fencing community.
Building fencing in Nelson Mandela Bay
The development of Sabre fencing in Nelson Mandela Bay has been driven by coach Samaa Elsayed, a former Egyptian champion who brought international experience to Excelsior Fencing Academy.
Elsayed represented Egypt at junior level, including the African Junior Championships, before relocating to South Africa. While stepping away from competitive fencing to raise her children, she has continued coaching local athletes and helping develop the next generation of competitors.
Raper said the athletes’ achievements reflect both talent and dedication, while calling on sponsors and partners to help support their international journey.
Swanepoel and Cronje are currently raising funds to assist with the costs of competing at the championships.
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