Kwa-Thema – Fourteen-year-old Ntsako Mathebula aims to turn her passion for netball into a professional career. Ntsako Mathebula’s love for netball began at age six, inspired by watching her older cousin play the sport as a teenager.

Today, she is working towards her dream of representing Gauteng at school and provincial levels, with ambitions to compete on the national stage.

Mathebula, who plays centre, told the African Reporter that the position lets her influence the tempo of the game and help her team maintain control on the court.

“Playing centre has allowed me the opportunity to take control over the game in terms of the tempo,” she said.

She shared that her journey began with childhood curiosity and her family’s encouragement. Watching her cousin play sparked her interest, while the desire to catch and pass a ball motivated her to take up the sport.

She recalled her first netball experience as a simple childhood moment, saying she played for McDonald’s after a game on a cold day.

Although her passion for the sport has continued to grow, Mathebula has faced challenges, particularly persistent knee problems that have made it difficult to play in some matches.

Despite these difficulties, she remains committed to improving her game and developing the qualities needed to succeed as a centre.

Mathebula said she focuses on improving her mental fitness because the position requires quick thinking, sound decision-making and the ability to influence the team’s performance.

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“As a centre, I train to improve my mental fitness because then I will be able to control the game and make decisions that will control the game well and set a proper mood for the team,” she said.

Rather than identifying one particular match as her most memorable, Mathebula said she feels especially proud when her coaches commend her performance from the sidelines.

She credits her coaches for playing an important role in keeping her motivated, saying their dedication and investment in her development encourage her to keep working towards her goals.

One player she looks up to is Tarle Mathe, whom she admires for her strategic approach to the game and her physical and mental fitness.

Looking ahead, Mathebula hopes to earn selection for the Gauteng schools netball team and the Ekurhuleni netball team.

Her long-term ambition is to play in the Telkom Netball League for the Gauteng Golden Fireballs before progressing to the national stage. She believes discipline and consistency will be essential in turning these ambitions into reality.

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“By maintaining discipline and consistency, I envision myself as a professional player,” said Mathebula.

Advice from coach Lebogang Bangani continues to guide her approach to both sport and personal development.

“Always have discipline because a player that has talent without discipline will never go far,” she recalled.

Beyond netball, Mathebula enjoys drawing, painting and other forms of art. She also describes herself as having a vibrant personality, though she admits people who don’t know her well may not immediately see that side of her.

For her, netball has taught her valuable lessons that extend beyond the court. She said the sport has helped her understand that both sport and life come with ups and downs, and that things will not always go according to plan.

She believes perseverance and a genuine love for what one does are essential when facing setbacks.

As she continues to pursue her ambitions, Mathebula hopes to be remembered not only for her abilities as a player but also for the person she is and the values she represents.

“I hope people remember me as a team player and a person who plays for the glory of God,” she concluded.