Edleen learner shines after earning two provincial sports selections

Laerskool Edleen learner Ziyanda Xaba has achieved a remarkable sporting milestone after being selected for two provincial teams for 2026.

The talented athlete earned places in the Gauteng U12 Netball Team and the Eastern Gauteng U12 hockey team, a reward for her dedication, hard work and passion for sport.

The Gauteng U12 netball tournament was hosted in Gauteng from June 28 to July 2 at Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen, where all nine provinces competed.

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Xaba also represented Eastern Gauteng hockey at several tournaments throughout the year.

Her team secured first place at the Southern Festival at Crawford Ruimsig, the Rising Roses Youth Day Tournament in Benoni and the Multiverse Tournament at Hoërskool Hugenote.

The team also competed at a regional tournament held at Michaelhouse in KwaZulu-Natal.

Xaba said being selected for both provincial teams was a proud and unexpected achievement.

“I was shocked but also very excited when I was selected for two provincial teams. I never thought that I would make it for both because of the long selection process, especially for the Gauteng netball team.

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“Representing my province in two different sports proves to me that I am strong, resilient and that I never gave up,” she said.

The provincial experience also gave Xaba the opportunity to play alongside athletes she usually competes against during school tournaments.

She said she enjoyed building new friendships and learning from teammates.

“When we won the first hockey tournament, we played as a team. We did not have many practice sessions, but we bonded well together, supported each other and created great friendships.

“It was very memorable. At times it was stressful and demanding, but overall it was exciting and a lot of fun,” she said.

Xaba’s commitment to sport extends beyond organised training sessions. She regularly practises netball at home using a hoop and spends time training with friends in her neighbourhood, where they also sometimes play hockey.

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Balancing two demanding sports requires careful planning. Xaba said she uses daily schedules to manage training, schoolwork and other commitments.

“I normally write down a day plan so that I do not forget what I must do. I do not really have much personal time during the week because I come back late from school, have other activities and still need to complete my homework and study.

“It is not easy because on some days I go to bed at around 23:00 to ensure all my schoolwork is completed,” she said.

Her dedication has also required physical preparation, with her mother supporting her recovery after long training sessions.

Xaba said playing at provincial level taught her important lessons about teamwork, trust and communication.

She said one of her proudest moments came during the hockey regional tournament in KwaZulu-Natal when she scored a goal during the final 20 seconds of a match.

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Another memorable moment came during the netball tournament when she was asked to play positions she does not usually play for her school team.

“Although I was not playing my usual position of GA, I respected my coaches’ decisions and played every position with pride,” she said.

Xaba credited those around her for supporting her journey, including Laerskool Edleen coach Marinda Geldenhuys, who has coached her since Grade 1.

“Coach Marinda has been an amazing and positive role model to me. I am also grateful to my mom and dad for always making themselves available to drive me to practices and support me at my matches,” she said.

The experience has encouraged Xaba to set even bigger goals for the future. She hopes to continue representing Gauteng and dreams of one day wearing the South African colours in netball.

For athletics, she hopes to qualify for nationals in 2027.

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Xaba encouraged other young athletes to believe in themselves and continue working towards their goals.

“Dream big and believe in yourself. Always stay positive and work hard to achieve your dreams,” she said.