Nothando and Ayanda in dire need of funding

Former Barberton High School learner and brilliant squash player, Nothando Ntimane(16), moved to Pretoria during 2014 after she was awarded a scholarship. Nothando is now a student of Die Hoërskool Menlopark.
During March Nothando made the SA Team that will be touring Asia, specifically Hong Kong and Malaysia. They will depart on May 27 and return on June 10.

As part of the selection criteria, Nothando participated in two squash tournaments by SA Schools Squash. These were the Bloemfontein Open from March 6 to 8 and the Hi-Tech SA Schools Championship which was held in Johannesburg from March 27 to 29. On March 29, the team was announced while still in Johannesburg.

Although she is only 16, Nothando is currently ranked number one in Northern Gauteng (u/19). She said her inclusion in the team SA Schools team for a second time was the culmination of hard work, dedicated training and wonderful, enthusiastic support from her family.

On this tour, a number of test matches will be played against Hong Kong, Malaysia and Australia’s international teams and Nothando will also get an opportunity to participate in the prestigious Penang Junior Championships in Malaysia from June 2 to 6.
But this is not where the Ntimane’s family talent ends as far as the siblings are concerned. Ayanda, Nothando’s little sister (10) who attends Barberton Primary School, also seems to have a great future in squash.

In the beginning of the year, she took part in the Mpumalanga Championships and played her way to the first place in the girls u/11. Ayanda played against girls two years her senior during the tournament, but she held her own and is the current Mpumalanga champion (u/11).
As a result, she was invited to form part of a team of four (Mpumalanga Team u/13) to participate in the SA Country Schools Festival. This will take place in Bloemfontein from April 30 to May 3.

“The family has been blessed and is ever grateful for the support and sponsorship they have received from local businesses and individuals, without which Nothando would not have been able to compete – especially her main sponsor, Barberton Ford. With the rise of Ayanda’s squash achievements, we now have two girls two to support,” said their proud father, Patrick.

In the past three months the family coughed up R13 500 for transport, accommodation, and tournament fees. The cost of the Malaysian tour amounts to R28 000 and Ayanda’s fees for the SA Country Schools Festival in Bloemfontein will cost another R2 500.
On Sunday, during the Ford ST Rally, Barberton Ford in conjunction with the Grove SPAR will host a fund-raising day for Nothando. You are therefore invited to participate for a good cause.
“We request any small, medium or large company that is prepared to assist with the fees or individuals who feel they have a little surplus, to contact Patrick on 071-600-02368 or email pjntimane@gmail.com