Primrose Ngwenya gets selected for SA U18 Netball Team

Primrose Ngwenya (18) has gone from quietly watching netball matches on the sidelines to earning her place in the South African U18 National Netball Team.

Primrose plays goal defender.

She comes from a large family with four siblings. Among them is her older brother Bongani, whom she considers her best friend and biggest supporter.

“He has stood by me through every step of my journey, and his unwavering encouragement has been crucial in shaping the person I am today,” she shared.

She describes herself as highly determined, passionate, and goal-driven.

“When I set my sights on something, I pursue it. I always put my best foot forward with full commitment and focus. I believe in striving for excellence in all that I do,” she explained.

Despite her strong work ethic, Primrose is known for her warm and bubbly personality. Among friends, she is the jokester, always aiming to bring laughter and encouragement.

“I find genuine joy in making others feel seen, valued, and comfortable in my presence.”

Her Christian faith plays a central role in her life and success.

“My trust in God is the foundation of everything I do and every challenge I face. My faith gives me strength and guides me through life.”

A legacy at school

At Hoërskool President High School, Primrose wears many hats. She currently serves as president of the student body and holds the titles of Sportswoman of the Year and Most Versatile Student. She also received the white blazer, an honour last awarded 12 years ago.

“This achievement stands as a powerful symbol of my dedication throughout my schooling career. I wholeheartedly believe that I have left a meaningful legacy at my school, one that will be remembered and hopefully inspire others. I consider myself not just a student, but a historymaker,” she expressed.

Where it all began

Primrose’s journey in netball began in 2018, during Grade Five at Naturena Primary School. Her school did not have an official netball programme, but a passionate volunteer coach stepped in to do training.

Primrose was not a player at first.

“I would accompany my sister, who played netball for a year, to her training sessions and matches. I would sit quietly on the side just watching when, one day, coach Mapaseka turned to me and said, ‘You cannot just sit there and watch, you have to play.’ I was surprised, hesitant even, but I accepted the challenge,” she said.

Soon, she found her feet and replaced her sister in the defence position.

“She was a little upset at first, but not for too long. That marked the end of her journey in netball, and the beginning of mine. From that day, I never missed a single practice or game,” she said.

When she moved on to high school, netball quickly became more than just a pastime.

“The discipline and skill required were something I had never encountered before, and it made me realise that netball could be more than a hobby; it could be a true calling.”

What helped Primrose thrive were the people around her.

“One of the most influential figures in my netball journey is Miss Ives, whom I refer to as my ‘deputy parent’. She saw a spark in me long before I recognised it myself. She constantly pushed me and exposed me to opportunities that challenged me on and off the court.”

Her former netball coordinator, Mrs De Jager, also played a key role.

“She bought me my first pair of netball shoes. Before that, I played in whatever I could find, like old Vans, my mum’s shoes, or any tackies available. That simple act of kindness gave me a new level of confidence and motivation to pursue the sport seriously.”

When Primrose didn’t make the Gauteng team in 2023, she nearly gave up. But her former coach, Mrs Guy, didn’t let her.

“When I failed to make the Gauteng team, I found myself disheartened and on the verge of quitting. Not only did I make the Gauteng team this year, but I also secured a place in the South African National U18 team, something I once thought impossible.”

She added: “So when people ask what inspired me to take netball seriously, I may not have a specific ‘what’ to point out, but I can certainly tell you who.”

Rising to the national stage

Being selected for the Gauteng team was already a dream come true for the young athlete.

“Having not made the team the previous year, I walked into the trials filled with doubt and uncertainty,” she said.
“When I saw my name on the final team list, a wave of joy just came over me.”

At the Telkom Netball Championships, players were being observed for potential national team selection. Once again, self-doubt crept in.

“I feared I wouldn’t get much court time during the tournament, but my coach, Janine, believed otherwise.” To her surprise, they placed her in the starting line-up for the first match against their toughest rivals, Western Cape.

“That game became a turning point in my life. The same day, something more unexpected happened when scouts from WITS University approached me with news of a potential scholarship offer. I was stunned. I kept asking myself, Why me? Am I really that good?”

By the end of the tournament, her team, Delta, received second place and a silver medal. More importantly, Primrose had secured a place among the top 35 players in the country, selected for the South African U18 National Netball Squad.

The journey wasn’t without its struggles. The cost of netball kits, travel, and accommodation added to over R13 000, but her school stepped in and covered the expenses.

“My school has played an instrumental role in shaping my journey as a netball player. Their support extended far beyond the academic,” she shared.

Hoërskool President principal, Quentin de Lange, shared his pride: “Primrose’s achievement is a shining example of what perseverance and humility can accomplish. Her journey to the U18 South African National Netball Squad and the incredible second-place finish is a moment we will treasure forever.”

Her coach, Miss Ives, echoed the sentiment: “I had the incredible privilege of watching her grow. Hard work, resilience, and an unwavering belief in herself marked her journey. This is just the beginning of what she’s capable of.”

Primrose also expressed deep gratitude to her parents. “I owe so much to my parents, who bring people into my life who could offer additional support and encouragement when I need it most.”

More than just a game

Balancing school with national-level sport is not easy, but the young star stays organised.

“This allows me to prioritise the greater demands in my life without compromising either. I maintain a detailed weekly schedule.”

She believes sport helps her focus better in academics.

“For me, sport is more than a physical activity; it is my safe space.”

Her inspiration in the world of netball is former SPAR Proteas star Phumza Maweni.

“Everything about her just resonates deeply with me. She once shared that she was selected to play for the national team later in life, and her story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to achieve your dreams.”

Looking ahead

As she continues to grow in her netball journey, Primrose has set clear short-term and long-term goals, each one rooted in her desire to make an impact both on and off the court.

“My dreams are big, but so is my determination. I know where I’m going, and I know that my journey is not just about me. It’s about opening doors for others, rewriting the narrative for netball, and using my voice and platform to uplift every young girl and boy who dares to dream.”

This achievement is more than just a selection for the athlete. It is a reflection of every training session, every setback, every person who believed in her, and the love she carries for the sport.

“While this is only the beginning, I am grateful for how far I’ve come and even more excited for what lies ahead,” she said.

If there is one message she could share with every young girl chasing her dreams, it would be ‘never give up.’