There is no squashing Nothando’s sporting ambitions

The first time Nothando Ntimane (22) took to the squash courts, 10 years ago, she did so with aplomb, said her father, Patrick Ntimane.

Nothando’s interest in the sport was awakened after Squash SA and the Department of Correctional Services in Barberton held a Squash Development Day in Barberton, from where she hails.

“Immediately after she was introduced to the game, Nothando showed great hand-eye coordination and I could tell that she was a natural,” Patrick added.

ALSO READ: Quota rules stop Sunbirds’ flight to final

Since that first moment on the court, she has fine-tuned her technique and morphed into a formidable opponent, collecting a number of accolades along the way.

Nothando enrolled at the University of Pretoria (Tuks) where she is studying information science. She joined the Tuks Squash Club in 2014 as a junior. There has been no looking back for the prodigious squash player since then.

Described by her father as a natural athlete, she has gone on to win a number of titles at Tuks, including the plate section at the Growthpoint SA Nationals and Northern’s Junior Open in 2018 and 2016.

ALSO READ: Pumas and Sharks name teams for vital Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked clash

Along with her teammates, Helena Coetzee, Mariska Wiese and Jessica MacDonald, Nothando formed part of the UP-Tuks team that won the Northern Blitz in February, which was a welcome feather in her cap.

With her eye fixed firmly on the ball, Nothando’s goal is to continue working hard on and off the court, to secure a berth in the top 15 national squash rankings while working constantly to improve and add a new dimension to her game.

“My experience with TuksSquash is always a positive learning curve. I consider myself fortunate to get the opportunity to train with some of the best coaches and players at amazing facilities since I was a junior,” she said.

ALSO READ: TRACN4 National Rally races into Dullstroom

Patrick agreed with the sentiment. “We have squash facilities in Barberton where players interested in the game can sharpen their skills and keep the flag flying high for sports in the community,” he concluded.

Nothando also serves as a junior squash coach at Tuks, adding another aspect to her game by imparting her skills to younger players. The young Barbertonian believes in adding value and attracting more players who may share her passion for the sport.

For now, Nothando barely had time to catch a breath as she played in the Growthpoint Inter Provincial Tournament representing Gauteng as her adopted province.

ALSO READ: TS Galaxy win at new home ground

Prior to that, she participated in the SA national Championships that saw her competing against players from neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, that concluded last week  Friday.