Tee off for Daveyton netball and golf academy
The proceeds will support golf and netball development programmes in Daveyton and Etwatwa.
With a heart anchored in the township and a vision fixed on opportunity, Loyiso Barnes, head of the Ekurhuleni Golf Union development programme, is once again stepping up.
Along with netball coach Sibongile Ngcobo, Barnes will host the NetGolf Academy fundraising golf day at Benoni Country Club on March 4 in a bid to turn swings on the fairway into hope for young athletes in Etwatwa and Daveyton.
The proceeds will support golf and netball development programmes, with a particular focus on easing the severe challenges faced by township-based teams.
@benonicitytimes Loyiso Barnes, the Ekurhuleni Golf Union development programme head, invites you to the NetGolf Academy fundraising golf day at Benoni Country Club on March 4.
For Barnes, the decision to host the tournament was deeply personal.
“The challenges in the township are so severe that at times you feel neglected,” he said.
“But those of us in sport understand what it can do in a young person’s life. We want to give our kids, especially in netball, a real opportunity.”
While golf development has structure, Barnes admits there are still shortfalls. Netball, however, faces even tougher realities. The Etwatwa Warriors, a girls’ team that has won the Build It tournament two years in a row, often struggle with basics, such as transport to competitions.
Previously, Barnes assisted with a vehicle, but mechanical problems have left the team stranded and with mounting transport costs.
That struggle inspired the formal registration of the NetGolf Academy in 2024, with its inaugural event held at Royal Oak.
“We only had 26 players, but at least we started. Now we’re at our home club and we believe it will grow.”
Driven by passion rather than politics, Barnes and his partners are determined not to “throw in the towel”. He believes sustainable structures, community effort and consistent fundraising can preserve and grow golf and netball in black communities.
“We have to save these kids. There is something we can do, and this is it.”
Bookings are now open and businesses are urged to secure hole sponsorships.
Tee off is at 10:00.
For more info, contact Loyiso on 072 244 1288.
Also Read: Development golfers need a boost
Also Read: Daveyton golfers make history with Scratch League victory
