POLOKWANE – Growing up in Polokwane, Sasha-Lee Jansen van Rensburg developed a love for netball at a young age – a passion that has shaped both her career and her commitment to developing the next generation of players.

Today, she serves as the provincial manager of the Limpopo Schools Netball Committee under the South African Schools Netball (SASN), where she works to strengthen coach development and create more opportunities for young girls to participate in the sport.

Turning passion into purpose

Drawing on her own experience as a player, Sasha-Lee understands the challenges many aspiring netball stars face. Limited resources, a shortage of trained coaches and fewer development opportunities can make it difficult for young players to reach their full potential.

Rather than accepting these challenges, she is working to change them by helping build stronger support systems for coaches and encouraging more girls to discover a love for the game from an early age.

Growing the game from the ground up

One initiative making a difference is the PEP Mini Netball programme, launched in 2023. The development programme focuses on players between the ages of seven and nine and gives coaches the tools to introduce children to the sport in a fun and supportive environment.

For Sasha-Lee, the programme is an opportunity to share her knowledge with fellow coaches while inspiring them to help young players grow both on and off the court.

Inspiring the next generation

Her goal is simple: to see more girls fall in love with netball, just as she did.

“As someone who was and still is in love with netball, I’m grateful to be part of these young players’ journeys,” she says.

She believes the programme is also about giving back to communities by supporting schools through sport development initiatives that leave a lasting impact.

“It also shines a light on the importance of investing in coaches and communities to ensure more young players have the support they need to thrive.”