Giyani netball star earns Spar Championship call-up
Giyani’s Vukona Mhelembe (19) celebrates her Spar Championship call-up, boosting her confidence and fuelling her dream of playing for SA.
LIMPOPO – Nineteen-year-old rising netball star Vukona Mhelembe from Giyani says being called up to the Spar National Championship team has renewed her confidence and strengthened her hopes that one day she could be called up to play in the national team.
A dream call-up for a rising star
Speaking about the moment she received the news, Mhelembe said she was overwhelmed with excitement.
“I was so excited, and the first thing that came to my mind was that my skills were going to be exposed, and I might stand a chance of being selected to play in the national squad,” she said.
Mhelembe, who has long dreamed of playing netball at the highest level, said she felt grateful for the opportunity.
“I thanked the Almighty God for the opportunity and prayed that I would be able to stand up to the task I was called to. I don’t want to disappoint anyone or make them think they made a mistake by choosing me.”
The young athlete believes the call-up is a life-changing milestone.
“This achievement affords me a platform to show my talent for everyone to see,” she said.
However, despite her growing confidence, Mhelembe admits she once struggled with self-doubt, thinking she was not the type to be called up to a professional netball team. “The biggest challenge I faced was doubting myself,” she explained.
“I never thought that someone of my calibre could one day be selected to play in a Spar National Championship team. Now that I’ve been given the chance, I know that with hard work, everything is possible.”
Hard work and motivation drive her journey
She said her motivation comes from a deep desire to succeed and build a future through the sport she loves.
“The desire to become something in life keeps me motivated and pushes me to train even harder.”
Mhelembe also shared advice for other young athletes aiming for national honours, urging them to work hard as there is nothing for free.
“Nothing comes on a silver platter in this world; every good thing you get has to come through hard work,” she said.
The young athlete’s goal
Looking ahead, Mhelembe said her dream is to play play for the national team.
“My future goal is to play for the Baby Spar Proteas u/21 team. I made a vow to myself that I would not give up netball until I reached that stage,” she said.
