Barbertonians has reason to be proud of the two local sisters, Nothando (18) and Ayanda Ntimane (12), who have been going from strength to strength in squash. Nothando, who is currently a grade 12 pupil at Hoërskool Menlopark, participated in the 2016 SA National Inter-provincial Squash tournament held in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape last month.

During this five-day tournament the five top players from each province represented their provinces with their eye on becoming the cream of the crop in the country. Individual players also stood a chance of being selected for the SA top 10.

It was also the last selection tournament on the SA Squash calendar for 2016.
Being the number-one player representing Northern Gauteng, Nothando, and the rest of her team, gave it their all.

According to her father, Patrick Ntimane, who is also an avid squash player and coach, the competition from provinces like Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) – who won in the
end – was very tough. Although the players did not receive medals, Nothando was selected for the SA Schools Team and the National Top 10, as well as the Top 6 SA-team which will to Malaysia this month.

“Nothando had a tough year since she had been struggling with an injury which she feels deterred her from making the World Junior Championships.
She said, “I am thankful for this God-given talent and the undying support of my family.”

She also thanked her main sponsor, Barberton Ford, as well as World of Squash and Hoërskool Menlopark, for the opportunity to showcase her talent.

According to Patrick, Nothando is set to receive sport scholarships from top universities, as squash has provided her with many opportunities. He said his daughter could not stop talking about the amazing support that she received from Barberton Ford, as they afforded her the opportunity of a lifetime through sponsorship.

“I would would like to thank the Barberton community and promise to continue doing my best as I embark on the road of a varsity student and a senior squash player,” said the young star.

Pupil of Barberton Primary, Ayanda Ntimane, is following in her sibling’s footsteps. In August, Ayanda was invited to attend the Tuks Squash National U/13 Academy at the University of Pretoria. This, after she was chosen as one of the best Mpumalanga players in her age group. These sessions took place at the Tuks High Performance Centre.

“The purpose of this main event was to expose potential champions to good coaching which will later prepare them to enjoy and excel in the sport, and subsequently represent the country in major tournaments,” said Patrick.
Some of the training during this camp included squash drills, racket techniques, hydro-recovery between sessions to calm players down, fitness tests and marking, as well as referee courses and proper nutrition for athletes.

“Many lessons were learned, but, above all, they made friends as all provinces were represented,” said Patrick.
The coaching staff included Liz Mckenzie (Tuks head coach) Emmanuel Musefe (World of Squash), Sally White from Epworth College in KZN and Renier Cronje from KZN.

Nothando was part of the coaching staff who assisted with mentoring and fitness for the youngsters.
Patrick said Ayanda was excited to have received training from best coaches as she learned valuable life lessons on and off the courts.

All the participants received attendance certificates from Tuks.