You don’t build a title challenge on hope alone but on certainty.

And for Hartties Netball Club, that certainty comes in the form of two fearless 16-year-olds who carry the team’s ambitions on their shoulders every time they step onto the court.

Goal shooter Roxy van Rooyen, from Boksburg, and goal defender Zinhle Khumalo, from Benoni, emerged as the heartbeat of Hartties’ title charge at the St Dunstan’s College Easter Sport Festival, one delivering with ruthless precision in attack, the other locking things down with relentless intensity at the back.

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When the pressure rises and options run thin, Harttie’s coach, Buda Seoli, knows exactly where to turn.

Up front, van Rooyen is ice-cold.

The 16-year-old, who attends Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen, has built her game around consistency and composure, qualities that made her one of the most reliable finishers at the recent sports festival.

“I’ve played goal shooter and goal attack my whole life, and netball is absolutely my passion. I don’t know who I’d be without netball. So to me, every second on the court is a privilege,” she said.

While goal shooter remains her natural home, the festival pushed her into new territory, and she responded like a seasoned pro.

“I’ve mostly only played goal shooter, so goal attack is very new to me. But this tournament has given me the opportunity to learn new things and improve my skills there. I’m very grateful for that.”

That adaptability has added a new dimension to Harttie’s attack, making them far less predictable and far more dangerous in tight contests.

And van Rooyen isn’t thinking small.

“I hope to play professionally one day. I’m working very hard and I hope to achieve that.”

At the opposite end of the court, Khumalo brings a completely different kind of influence, one built on grit, resilience and defensive authority.

The Hoërskool Hans Moore learner, also 16, has been a constant disruptor for opposition attacks, reading the game sharply and throwing herself into every contest.

“I started playing netball in Grade One. It helped me grow as a player and with character development,” said Khumalo.

Her journey hasn’t been without challenges, but those moments have shaped her mentality.

“Making provincials in Grade Seven helped me because my previous coach was really unfair towards me. I think that prepared my mind for harder things.”

That mental toughness is now one of her biggest weapons.

Primarily a goal defender, Khumalo prides herself on versatility, a trait that gives Hartties crucial flexibility when the game demands it.

“I can play anything on court. I play goal defence, but I can also play goal attack if needed.”

Her ambitions stretch well beyond local competition.

“I want to make nationals and play abroad. My goal is to go to England because I feel like there are more opportunities on that side. I’m working very hard to get there.”

Like van Rooyen, she draws inspiration from the elite, looking up to UJ star Tarle Mathe, while van Rooyen models parts of her game on Elmeriè van der Berg.

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