Watch: Phoenix ‘super heroes’ make a splash at Red Bull Flugtag
Wild competition
Team Flynecta, from left, Muhammad Sherriff, Munya Mtoko, Kaylan Roopraj, Charlene Naidoo and Subesh Deonarain with the aircraft they built
Image: SUPPLIED
FIVE Phoenix colleagues who work at a call centre, made a splash at the Red Bull Flugtag in Cape Town at the weekend.
Team Flynecta, which comprised colleagues from a Mount Edgecombe call centre, sailed their homemade aircraft 10.1meters before plunging into the ocean, showcasing their creativity and teamwork in this wild competition.
The team comprised pilot and craft builder Muhammad Sherriff, 27, captain Subesh Deonarain, 43, choreographer Kaylan Roopraj, 23, costume designer Charlene Naidoo, 45, spokesperson, Munya Mtoko, 39, and media creator, Wonderboy Maluleka, 29.
The six members were hoping to impress the panel of judges who scored the teams on distance, creativity, and sportsmanship. Mtoko said for a month, there had been a lot of trial and error as they built the aircraft. The bottom of the aircraft was built from wood and trolley wheels and the top from form board, sheeting, aluminium and tread rods.
He added that they had watched a lot of YouTube videos to see what had worked for the previous winners.
“We used that information to build our aircraft. There were a lot of sleepless nights trying to figure out how to design it and what materials were needed,” he said.
The Flynecta sailed for 10.1 meters before plunging into the ocean.
“I think we did really well. And our bragging rights is that we built a whole airline. So that’s one thing we are proud of. I feel like we did well for first-timers. We got good scores for our entertainment, creativity, our dance and our choreography were on point,” said Mtoko.
Naidoo said they wanted a “super hero that saved the day with style and creativity”.
Kaylan Roopraj said they deliberately chose the song, Jump on It by Sugar Hill Gang.
“The inspiration behind the choreography was nostalgia. All I could think about was how to make this a memorable event, get the most points from the judges and interact with the crowd. So, my plan was to be funny, amazing and nostalgic.”
Sherriff described the experience as “out of this world”.
“I am so glad we had this experience together. It helped build our team. It was very exciting, but also scary.
It took us out of our comfort zone, and made us realise that we could do anything if we put our mind to it.”