Meet Umhlali’s king of the squash court

Avesh Nurbadh is proving that it’s never too late to pursue your passion.

The 45-year-old businessman is Umhlali Country Club (UCC)’s squash player of the year.

He started playing two decades ago, when at 25 years old, former Dolphin Coast squash champion A K Hussein took him under his wing.

“I started playing squash a bit later in my life, but Hussein took me on as a rookie and became my mentor. He taught me everything I know – from the the rules of the game, to strategy and technique,” said Nurbadh.

Nurbadh thoroughly enjoys the sport and keeps up with the competitiveness of the game with consistent training and dedication. Being part of the UCC squash family has made all the difference for him.

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Chairman of UCC squash Vaughan Basson said that a very strong squash culture based on transparency, family values and growing the sport is what sets the club apart.

“You get better by playing stronger players and that’s what helps you improve,” said Nurbadh.

The married father of two now mentors five younger players at the club. UCC squash consists of 55 players and is one of the biggest in the district. Basson confirms that a 30 percent membership growth in the last 18 months requires experienced players to be an encouraging guiding force for younger players.

“I’m happy to teach the younger players, because I too was mentored,” said Nurbadh.

Nurbadh explains that the intense, demanding sport requires more than youth and fitness alone for success.

“It’s also very much about experience; that’s how you become a champion.”

He has won the Dolphin Coast Squash Championship nine times and is aiming for his tenth tittle soon. He has a wealth of experience at club, district and provincial level, having performed on four different occasions at the provincial Javas Squash Tournament, where South African country and district players compete.

As he gets older, he hopes to spend more time coaching and training up-and-coming players. He loves that the sport is more than just about the mental or physical aspects.

“It’s a social sport; you grow in confidence, get to meet people and you build your character as a person,” said Nurbadh.

UCC squash is currently busy with the Dolphin Coast summer league where first, second and third division players get a chance to learn from the more experienced campaigners, said the chairman.

Squash players from Salt Rock, Zimbali, Darnall, Tongaat and Verulam make up Dolphin Coast squash.

“Later in the year we start our winter league, which is a lot more serious and is played in separate divisions,” confirmed Basson.

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