Kwa-Thema – Different netball teams in Kwa-Thema recently participated in a netball tournament, which concluded victoriously.

Each team and its players received awards for their hard work and dedication to the sport throughout the year.

Kwa-Thema Netball Academy head coach Lebohang Bangani said the purpose of the tournament was to show players the importance of participating in sports.

“We also want to see the players’ growth through competition and want them to feel encouraged. We want these players to dedicate themselves to each game, aspire to win, and work hard.

“The prizes help them set goals for themselves and display enthusiasm towards winning. Netball protects children from engaging in harmful acts, as they spend a lot of time practising or participating in games,” said Bangani.

“Many do not have friends outside of their teammates because that is who they spend most of their time with.”

Bangani emphasised that netball encourages teamwork, a skill required beyond sports and in the workplace as well.

She said the sport also develops excellent communication skills and give each an opportunity to observe each other’s characters and abilities.

“We also have a programme where our team secretary, Nosipho Thala, makes a study timetable in order for each player to still do well in school. Thala also offers after-school classes to assist learners with their schoolwork and other school-related issues,” she explained.

Kwa-Thema Netball Academy won the tournament across all divisions. The coach believes her team won because of the discipline she instilled.

At the end of the tournament, each player received a pack of sanitary towels. Thala mentioned this was done to bridge the gap between those who cannot afford to buy pads.

“These players come from different backgrounds, and some do not pitch for practice or tournaments because they cannot afford to buy sanitary towels.

“We want each player to feel confident, to never lack their basic needs. In our eyes, each player is equal,” she said.

Thala extended her words of encouragement to the parents who allow their children to participate in games and their sponsors who have lent a helping hand.

She urged coaches to never give up on their teams, reminding them that players look up to them and rely on their guidance.

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Results:

U11:
Kwa-Thema Netball Academy (KNA) 4-3 Underdogs

U13:
Underdogs 31-25 Supernova
KNA 10-7 Supernova
KNA 21-21 Underdogs

U13 final:
Underdogs 20-27 KNA

U15:
KNA 7-5 Supernova

U15 final:
KNA 36-12 Supernova
Best players of the tournament

U11:
Promise Mfene (Underdogs)
Sphesihle Bangani (KNA)
Sbongile Jones (KNA)

U13:
Simphiwe Ngwenya (KNA)
Reanetse Khonza (Underdogs)
Minhle Maselela (KNA)

U15:
Bongiwe Khumalo (Supernova)
Busi Mnisi (Supernova)
Okuhle Boleu (KNA)