From a local club to national champs
After overcoming injury and rising through local clubs, the 30-year-old defender is now making her mark in the 2025 Telkom Netball League.
Kagiso Riverside’s rising netball star, Basetsana Hilda Mashigo (30), first discovered her love for the sport at Atlholang Primary School, where she began playing at just 10 years old.
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Her talent flourished at Town View High School, where she was named Matric Player of the Year.
In 2023, her career hit a temporary pause when she sustained an ankle injury during the National Championships, forcing her out of the game for three months.
I prayed, stayed positive, and with help from my physio, I came back stronger,” she said.
In her early 20s, Basetsana played for Kagiso Flames and Oupa Malefo Netball Club. Her breakthrough came in 2022 when the Brothers Netball Club spotted her talent during the Gauteng Super League.
The following year, she helped the West Rand Senior Ladies win bronze at the 2023 SPAR National Championships and was appointed captain of the Keywest Lions Senior Ladies. That same year, she was again selected to represent West Rand at the national level.
Her stellar form continued into 2024, earning her four Player of the Match awards in the Action Netball Super League. She also claimed the prestigious Player of the Year title for her club, Keywest Lions. In a major step up, Basetsana was selected to play for the Gauteng Jaguars in the 2025 Telkom Netball League (TNL).
Although her team didn’t secure a win in the first leg on April 26, she remains focused and optimistic.
My short-term goal is for my club to win the West Rand League again. Long-term, I want to make the national team.
“I plan to achieve this by staying consistent and improving my skills all the time,” she said.
But Basetsana’s impact goes beyond the court.
“I’m now also a coach and currently serve as the administrator for the Mogale City Netball Association,” she said, reflecting on how the sport shaped her journey.
As a defender, she credits communication as her key to staying calm under pressure.
“Defence requires constant talking. That’s how I manage the pressure – I keep communicating with my teammates on court.”
Lehlohonolo Mnisi, coach of the Brothers Netball Club, spoke highly of her influence.
Basetsana plays a vital role on and off the court. She’s on our disciplinary committee and plans team-building activities for the sisters’ netball squad.”
To young players chasing their netball dreams, Basetsana offers heartfelt advice.
“Your dreams are valid. If you want to be one of the best, work for it. Give it your all. Even when it feels like it’s taking time, don’t give up. God’s timing is perfect.”
