Mogale City U14s shine at nationals with local support
Local businesses joined forces to equip and inspire Thathulwazi High School’s U14 netball team, who claimed silver at the 2025 SA Secondary Schools Netball Championships.
In a display of community spirit and teamwork, the U14 netball team from Thathulwazi High School represented Mogale City with pride at the SA Secondary Schools Netball Championships (SASSNC) 2025, which took place from August 8 to 9 in Boksburg.
The team performed well however, local businesses played a role as they rallied to support the girls with equipment for the tournament.
According to team project coordinator Makopa Madia, the young stars, led by coach Jane Moetlhwa, took second place in their division, walking away with silver medals after delivering an outstanding performance among over 500 athletes from all nine provinces.
Makopa added that the national tournament, hosted by SA Schools Netball, aims to showcase the best of school netball talent across both urban and rural areas.
“Ahead of the competition, the team was in urgent need of suitable gear and financial support until the local business community stepped in,” Makopa said.
The support was initiated by Nonhlanhla Mdletshe, founder of Fantasy Cakes in Helderkruin, who came across a celebratory post about the team’s impressive provincial win.
“Inspired by their achievement and determination, she reached out to coach Moetlhwa to offer support and began rallying additional resources to help the team prepare for the national stage. Nonhlanhla partnered with her son, Sifiso Mdletshe, founder of Fast Lane Athletics (FLA), and together they roped in two more local businesses, Signature Stitches and Lady M Boutique, to ensure the team was well-prepared for their national debut,” Makopa continued.
The representatives from the businesses visited Thathulwazi High School in Rietvallei to deliver a full package of support, including:
• Netball dresses
• Tracksuits
• Takkies and socks
• Tights and vests
• Sports bags
• Paid accommodation for the championship weekend
“We are incredibly proud of how the girls represented their school and Mogale City,” said Nonhlanhla.
“Seeing them walk onto the court in full kit, playing their hearts out, and finishing second in their division is more than we hoped for. This is the power of community in action,” Nonhlanhla concluded.
