Ekurhuleni Vibe Netball Club brings hope to the community of Nhlapho Section, Katlehong.
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Sibongile Mabaso started the club in 2019.
Mabaso is a security guard at Germiston Stadium.
She said seeing young people go to the stadium to compete in various sports motivated her to create a club in her community.
“Seeing boys and girls participating in basketball, tennis, and aerobics was interesting. After seeing their discipline, I felt I needed to do something for the young people in my neighbourhood,” said Mabaso.
“There were difficulties when I first organised girls into a team. Parents began to pay attention and supported the vision.
“What they enjoy the most is that being a part of the club has had a positive impact on their children.
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“We emphasise that players complete their homework and other academic obligations.
“Now and then we get together to assist one another with schoolwork,” said Mabasa.
Mabaso said drug use and alcohol abuse has harmed the community.
“With sports, we hope to shape these young people’s lives. Their parents constantly motivate me to keep going,” she said.
“I think it’s reasonable to say that parents relax more knowing that their children are with me.
This allows us to combat issues like gang violence, teenage pregnancies, alcoholism, and drug abuse,” said Mabaso.
As a young girl, Mabaso enjoyed playing netball for her high school.
Mabaso is in the process of registering the club with the Ekurhuleni Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture office.
“We want to compete against the best. We practise at Hlatswayo Park, but we frequently run into problems with boys practising soccer there.
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The boys won’t allow my girls to use the netball court. Essentially they can’t play or practise without me. We have approached two nearby schools for permission to utilise their grounds,” said Mabaso.
“We urge the community to assist in covering the transportation costs. We put money together to pay for away games,” she said.
“The priority is to have full equipment for all of our divisions including the U15s, 17s, and open,” said Mabaso.
Mabaso highlighted that the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023, which will take place in Cape Town from July 28 to August 6, will shine a spotlight on the sport.
