SEBOKENG.- Much has been said and written about the Sedibeng U23 Male Netball Team after being crowned the national champions held in Durban recently.

However, little has been said about Bashin Thaba (52), who is the man behind the team’s success.

Sedibeng Ster Sport looks at the career of Thaba, who ended up being involved in netball, once commonly referred to as a ‘women’s’ game.

In an exclusive interview with Sedibeng Ster Sport, Thaba shared how his passion for netball began at primary school level, coaching a school team after being recruited by a fellow teacher deeply involved in the sport. His interest quickly grew, and in 2013, he founded Tsoelopele Netball Club in Zone 3, now regarded as one of the top teams in Sedibeng.

“One of my dreams is to see Tsoelopele among the best in the country, with players representing the national team in green and gold,” said Thaba.

However, he highlighted a major challenge, the lack of proper netball facilities in Zone 3.

“We train behind the shops because there are no courts, not even at the Zone 3 Stadium. It’s frustrating, especially given the standard we’ve set,” he said. “If we had proper courts, I have no doubt we’d be much further.”

Thaba appealed to local authorities to build netball courts at the stadium, emphasizing the need to support grassroots sport. Reflecting on his unexpected journey, he added, “I never imagined I’d be involved in netball. But once I started at Ekujuleni Primary School and was asked to help out, I fell in love with it. Netball is now a part of my life.”