SEBOKENG.- A 16-year-old Sedibeng Netball Team player, Tshepiso Mokoena, has been selected to trial for the National U/21 team after her outstanding performance during the recent Telkom National Netball Championship held in Cape Town.

Despite the Sedibeng Netball Team finishing in 11th place in the tournament, Mokoena’s individual brilliance earned her a spot in the U/21 trials. Sedibeng Federation President, Fakazile Nkitseng shared this exciting news with Sedibeng Ster Sport. Mokoena, a Grade 11 student at Residensia Secondary School, displayed a five-star performance throughout the tournament, leading to her selection.

She currently plays for Tsoelopele Netball Club in goal defense and as a goalkeeper. Nkitseng expressed her joy at the news of one of their own players being selected for the U/21 trials. She emphasised that this achievement is significant for Sedibeng Netball and serves as motivation for all the players. Notably, Mokoena was the youngest player in the Sedibeng U/19 Netball Team.

“For me, the final position doesn’t matter because Tshepiso Mokoena, one of our players, has been selected to trial for the national U/21 team. This is fantastic news for all of us, especially the players, as it shows that anything is possible through hard work, just as Tshepiso has demonstrated,” Nkitseng stated.

The Sedibeng Netball Federation congratulated Mokoena on her selection and wished her the best. They expressed confidence in her abilities and believed that she would make Sedibeng proud. Despite her young age, Mokoena exhibited maturity and shouldered the team’s responsibilities throughout the tournament.

In an interview with Sedibeng Ster Sport, Mokoena expressed disbelief when her name was announced as one of the players selected for the U/21 trials. She expressed gratitude to her teammates and coaches for pushing her during training and the tournament. Mokoena acknowledged that her selection was a team effort, and she intends to represent her teammates during the trials.

“I want to thank my teammates and coaches for pushing me hard in training and during the tournament. Although I am the one selected, it was a team effort that led to my selection for the trials. I am going there to represent my teammates because, without them, I don’t think I would have been chosen,” said Mokoena.