Proteas dream comes true for University of Johannesburg netballer
Netball player Owethu Ngubane hopes her Commonwealth Games journey inspires young athletes to believe in themselves, work hard, and never give up.
Behind every international athlete is a story of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering belief.
For Owethu Ngubane, that journey has led to one of the greatest honours of her career: Representing South Africa at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
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Ngubane still remembers the moment she learned she had been selected for the final Proteas squad. Surrounded by the family and friends who had supported her throughout her journey, she was overwhelmed by a wave of excitement, gratitude, and pride. “Representing South Africa has always been a dream. Hearing that I had made the final squad is something I’ll never forget.”
Wearing the Proteas dress, she says, means far more than playing netball. “It represents my family, my friends, and every person who believed in me. Every time I wear it, I know I’m playing for something bigger than myself.”
For this athlete, who also plays for the University of Johannesburg netball team, the road to Glasgow has demanded countless sacrifices, from missing birthdays and family celebrations to balancing elite sport with everyday life. Like many like her, Ngubane admits there were moments when setbacks made her question the journey. It was her faith, her support system, and a reminder of why she fell in love with netball that kept her moving forward.
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Preparing for the Commonwealth Games now means early mornings in the gym, demanding court sessions, recovery, nutrition, and video analysis, all with one goal in mind – helping South Africa succeed, but beyond medals, Ngubane believes success will be measured by the team’s unity, discipline, and determination to make the country proud.
She hopes her story encourages young athletes to dream without limits. “Your background does not determine your future. Stay disciplined, trust the process, work hard every single day, and never let setbacks define you. If I can achieve this dream, then so can you.”
As she prepares to step onto the court in Glasgow wearing the green and gold, Ngubane hopes South Africans see more than an athlete. She hopes they see the power of perseverance, and the belief that with faith, hard work, and resilience, dreams really can come true.
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