Local netball star sets sights on playing overseas
A local netball player, Mmaphuti Setumu (16), was part of the provincial netball team that claimed second position during the recent National Netball Games in Boksburg
POLOKWANE – A local netball player, Mmaphuti Setumu (16), was part of the provincial netball team that claimed second position during the recent National Netball Games in Boksburg.
Setumu started playing netball when she was in Gr 6 and said her sister is the one who inspired her to start playing the sport. She was recently awarded the Best Shooter of the Year certificate from Millennium High School. She also received the Player of the Year award from Young Fighters Netball Club.
Setumu said she hopes to play for the Spar Proteas one day. “My biggest dream is to play overseas and I can only achieve this if I play for the national senior netball team because this will give me exposure. I think it will take me about four years to make my dream a reality.”
She further said she looks up to Melissa Myburgh who plays as a goal shooter and goal attacker for the Spar Proteas.
Setumu was selected for the provincial and national u/16 teams for two years in a row. Her father, Tlou, said at first they thought Setumu was just playing netball for fun and they only really started to notice her talent when she received her first awards.
“The awards she received says a lot about her. She is very passionate about the sport and I see a bright future ahead of her. I believe she will definitely achieve her dreams and fly the South African flag high abroad,” he said proudly.
Her mother, Reginah, urged Setumu to continue her hard work to make them proud. She further said it takes a strong woman to chase after and achieve the best things in life. Victor Seakamela, Young Fighters Netball Club coach, said Setumu is a very good player and he is happy she is part of the team. He further said she should focus and continue working hard to reach the top.
