In preparation for the upcoming DStv Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC) national finals, powered by Bestmed, a series of Ubuntu coaching clinics – supported by Puma South Africa – were recently held in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

The clinics are designed to prepare U19 players from under-resourced schools through focused training, mentorship, and life skills development ahead of the national finals.

Led by a group of experienced professionals, each full-day session combined fitness training, position-specific drills, and life skills development, creating an environment focused on both performance and personal growth.

The clinics were facilitated by Karla Victor, a current Baby Proteas player who once participated in the DSNC herself.

“What the mind believes, the body can achieve,” she told the girls during one of the sessions.

Bongiwe Msomi, former Baby Proteas captain and head coach of the University of Johannesburg’s netball team, also played a key role. With 171 caps and appearances in major tournaments, including the Netball World Cup and Commonwealth Games, her presence brought real-world insights to the court.

“Seeing players like Bongiwe and Karla in action made it all feel real for the girls,” said one coach on-site. “They could see themselves in their shoes – that’s powerful.”

Also part of the coaching team was Nomsa Zungu, a Level 3 coach with experience working with teams like the Gauteng Golden Fireballs and USSA champions. Zungu’s message to the players was simple: “Have good sportsmanship and clock it.”

In Gauteng, the clinic took place in Roodepoort, with learners from Diepdale Secondary and Tswelopele Secondary – two schools located within 50km of each other – participating in the programme.

In Mpumalanga, schools like Chief Ampie Mayisa Secondary and Kgetsiyatsie Secondary took part in a session designed to bring high-level training to more remote communities. Despite the long distances between some schools, learners arrived eager to train alongside their peers and heroes.

Limpopo’s clinic was hosted at the Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sports Complex, where students from Khaiso Secondary, located just 2km away, and Tshiawelo Secondary, about 110km away, came together for the session.

The clinics were supported by Puma South Africa, which provided training kits and access to its ambassador athletes as part of its commitment to grassroots development. The sessions were strategically held during the school holidays and Telkom Netball League break, making it easier for facilitators and players to attend.

For many of the young players, this was their first exposure to professional-grade coaching. But more importantly, it was a chance to see what’s possible – not just on the netball court, but beyond it.

To learn more about how the DStv Schools Netball Challenge is shaping the future of SA Netball and empowering young athletes across the country, visit www.multichoice.com/enriching-lives.