SEDIBENG.- Nkosi Kubeka’s standout performance secured him the title of Best Defender of the Men’s National Netball U23 National Championships.

Kubeka represented the Sedibeng Netball Team in the annual netball championships held at Nelson Mandela University in the Eastern Cape from October 4-10. This Cheetahs Netball Club player had a great tournament. Apart from being named the best defender of the tournament, he was selected for the Men’s National Netball U23 Team along with two other Sedibeng Netball Team players.

Five Sedibeng Netball Team players were invited to attend the trials, but only three received a national call-up. The other two players who were selected were Siyabulela Mpinda and Quen Viljoen.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Kubeka said these accolades, best defender of the tournament and national call-up, will serve as motivation to work and achieve more in the near future.

Being in the national team is a dream come true.

However, Kubeka dedicated his achievement to teamwork as he acknowledged the contribution of his teammates to both achievements.

He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that being selected for the national team was a dream come true.

Kubeka is one of the male netball players who broke the stereotype that netball is a female sport. He has been rewarded for his love and passion for netball in a big way.

“I’m excited because this call-up thing came sooner than expected. I didn’t anticipate that it would happen so soon.

I don’t know what to say; I’m speechless. I want to thank everyone who helped me to reach this level of my netball career. I couldn’t ask for more; being named best defender of the tournament and selected for the national team is more than enough,” said Kubeka.

Kubeka believed the call-up motivates other young people to take netball seriously. He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that there are opportunities in netball, the same as in other sporting codes, especially football.