Kwa-Thema – Lebohang Bangani is a netball coach who believes that coaching is not simply about preparing players to win matches, it is about helping young people discover their strength, believe in themselves and understand that their potential extends far beyond the court.

She is the Kwa-Thema Netball Team coach whose love for netball began when she first picked up a ball as a young player.

The sport’s fast pace, teamwork and sense of camaraderie immediately captured her heart. What started as a love for playing eventually grew into a passion for teaching and developing others.

As Bangani progressed in her playing career, she began to appreciate the influence coaches could have on a young player’s life.

Inspired by coaches who had contributed to her own development, she wanted to become that source of encouragement and guidance for others.

“Becoming the coach allowed me to stay involved in the game I love while making a positive impact on others,” she says.

Today, her vision extends beyond developing talented netball players. Bangani is passionate about creating opportunities for both young women and men to grow through the sport.

She believes that netball is a powerful teacher of teamwork, discipline, resilience, communication and leadership.

Bangani believes that when young players are given the right support, they can overcome self-doubt, face challenges and become confident individuals both on and off the court.

“One of the achievements closest to my heart has been witnessing players that I have developed progress to bigger stages. “Among them is male player Kelvin Mahlangu, who joined my team with little netball experience.

“Under my guidance, he developed his skills, represented his district and province, and progressed to the National U23 Male Championship, eventually attracting the attention of selectors for South Africa’s U23 men’s team,” she explained.

Bangani explained that stories like these demonstrate why coaching matters.

She also takes pride in seeing young female players overcome challenges and self-doubt, with one of her players eventually earning a scholarship to play netball at a top university.

Her coaching philosophy is centred on creating an environment where players feel supported, valued and encouraged to grow. Bangani celebrates small victories, sets achievable goals and reminds her players that struggling does not mean failing.

“It is not just about winning games, it is about empowering individuals to reach their full potential,” she cited.

During Women’s Month, Bangani’s journey is a reminder of the power women have to shape the lives of the next generation. Through her work, she is not only developing athletes but future leaders who can carry the lessons of sport into their families, schools and communities.

Her dream is to continue developing a team that excels both on and off the court while contributing to the growth of netball in South Africa. More importantly, she wants her players to become confident, resilient individuals who make a positive difference wherever they go.

Her message to aspiring coaches is to be patient, passionate and authentic, saying remain open to learning, build meaningful relationships with players and, above all, remember that coaching is about empowering others to reach their potential.

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