Nico Pieters selected to represent South Africa in Indoor Netball World Cup

Nico Pieters (22), a passionate and determined male netball player from Meyersdal, recently had the opportunity to represent Western Gauteng in the highly anticipated Inter-Provincial Tournament.

From February 26 to March 3, Pieters showcased his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication on the netball court.

Throughout his netball journey, Pieters’ dream has always been to proudly represent South Africa as a male player.

That dream is now becoming a reality as he has been selected to join the South African team competing in the indoor World Cup, set to take place in Australia in August 2023. This remarkable opportunity will see Pieters face formidable opponents from England, New Zealand, and the host nation, Australia.

Passionate and determined

“For the past six years, I have been immersed in the thrilling world of action netball. It all began when I joined a low-ranking team at the Action Arena. From that very first night, my passion for the sport grew exponentially,” he said.

As a player, his main position on the court is goal attack, but he is also versatile and can adapt to any position.

“Goal attack holds a special place in my heart. It is a demanding position where the team relies on me to give my all and score every ball in the shooting circle. What I love most about being a goal attack is the opportunity to utilise my unique set of skills to outwit and overcome opponents.”

Pieters said that the joy of playing action netball lies in the unpredictability of the game.

“Anything can happen on the court, and the excitement never fades. While we compete fiercely during the matches, off the court we form strong bonds and cherish the camaraderie shared among players.

“Personally, I constantly push myself to improve, setting high expectations before every game. I strive to demonstrate that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, with self-improvement as my primary goal.”

As a male player in action netball, he faces physicality and competitiveness head-on. “Playing in mixed teams can sometimes limit my full potential, but when I join all-male teams, I truly thrive. It’s essential to adapt to the dynamics of the team you’re playing with,” he explained.

According to him, being a male player brings unique advantages to the game. “I often have height, speed, and jumping abilities that set me apart. Leveraging these attributes, alongside the techniques I’ve honed over the years, enhances my performance and contributes to the success of my team.”

A fine balance

Finding balance between netball commitments and other aspects of life is crucial. “Fortunately, my studies and netball do not clash in terms of scheduling. I dedicate my mornings to studies, afternoons to personal activities, and reserve evenings for netball. This structure allows me to maintain a fulfilling balance,” Pieters said.

Looking to the future, his aspirations include helping younger players and contributing to the growth of the sport.

“As a male player in a predominantly female sport, I understand the importance of support and encouragement. By nurturing and guiding younger players, I hope to create a stronger foundation for male participation in netball.”

Some of his career highlights includes winning his first gold medal at IPT and being selected for the U23 mix team to represent South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series in Australia’s Brisbane.

“My future goals revolve around playing in the gold final of the Tri-Nations Netball Series and securing victory for my team. I aim to continue working hard and earn future selections to represent South Africa, participating in more gold finals.”

Help needed to make his dream come true

Participation in international tournaments comes with a financial burden, and Nico is in need of support to make his dream a reality. The cost of travel, accommodation, training, and other related expenses for the World Cup falls on the players themselves.

In light of this, Nico and his team are reaching out to the community, seeking any form of assistance to help cover the expenses and ensure his participation in this prestigious event.

Your support would mean the world to Pieters as he strives to represent South Africa with pride and showcase the talent and skill of male netball players on a global stage. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in helping him fulfill his dream and bring glory to his country.

His family is busy raising R60 000 for him through fundraisers and through his BackaBuddy page.

To help make Pieters’s journey to Australia a reality, donations are greatly appreciated. Your generosity will not only support an aspiring athlete but also contribute to the recognition and growth of male netball players worldwide.

People can make donations through his page: Indoor Netball World Cup Australia Nico

This and that

Pieters’s was born and bred in Alberton. Growing up, he had the joy of sharing his childhood with a loving sister who stood by his side through thick and thin.

His academic journey began at Leeuwenhof Akademie, where he embarked on his educational path. Alongside his commitment to athletics, he dedicated himself to his studies. He understood the importance of a well-rounded education and strived to bring home good grades, knowing that they would shape his future and open doors to new opportunities.

Guided by his life motto, “When at first you don’t succeed, try, and try again,” he approached every challenge with unwavering determination.

In his journey, there was one person who inspired him above all others, his father.

Through his father’s teachings, he learned the value of patience and staying focused on his goals. “My father instilled in me the importance of appreciating the achievements he had made, no matter how small, and cherishing the journey that led him to where he stood today. His unwavering support and words of wisdom echoed in my mind, propelling me forward in moments of doubt,” he said.

In his free time Pieters dedicates himself to his passion for athletics. He practices relentlessly, honing his skills and pushing the boundaries of his physical capabilities. Staying in shape has become a way of life for him, as he knew that his dedication and hard work would contribute to his success on and off the field.

Moreover, he never neglected his studies, investing his time and effort into securing a brighter future for himself.

People can make donations through his page: Indoor Netball World Cup Australia Nico

*Photos supplied by Nico and taken by Francois Jansen van Vuuren