AMANZIMTOTI Netball Club has been running for just over a year and in that time its athletes have achieved success after success.

The club recently entered the fourth phase of its ongoing netball court restoration, with the hope that the courts will usher in generations of successful athletes and foster community spirit.

Also read: Amanzimtoti Netball Club’s maiden tournament on new courts

The club’s Tamryn Engelbrecht excitedly explained that with new players joining the fold and coaches coming on board, the club continues to add more teams. It boasts five senior players representing eThekwini at the Telkom Netball Championships, and four junior players representing KZN schools across various age groups.

“We’re incredibly proud of what our players have achieved in just one year. Our Under-15 team won the  Khosi Netball League, while our Under-19 touring team went undefeated at the Waterkloof tournament during the March holidays. Our senior teams are also having an excellent season. The Senior A team is currently fourth in the eThekwini Premier League and leading the KZN Super League, while our Senior B team is top of the eThekwini Regional League,” said Tamryn.

She attributed the club’s tremendous growth to the hard work of its members, coaches and incredible support from local businesses and the community.

“When the club started, we were allocated the old, unused tennis courts at the bottom of Hutchison Park. As the courts were in a poor condition, we rented courts from the tennis club during our first junior season while working towards creating a permanent home for the club. Earlier this year, together with the Sports Park Central Committee and with funding assistance from Ward 97 councillor, André Beetge, the old courts were restored into multi-purpose combi courts for netball, ringball and tennis. The netball and ringball courts have now been completed, while the tennis nets will be installed once additional funding becomes available,” said Tamryn.

She added that having its own courts will make a huge difference to the club, as its players can train, develop and prepare for competitions at a “proper home,” creating a stronger sense of pride and community within the club.

Also read: Toti netball team dominates in festival

Tile Africa and Aqua Plumbing, its female ablution facilities received much-needed renovations. The final phase entails the installation of floodlights to allow training during the darker winter months and to host Thursday evening social leagues. In addition, the club plans to install awnings for spectators and build a men’s ablution facility, in addition to paving some of the surrounding areas to improve the facility.

Chairman’s update

Chairperson Ruan Engelbrecht said it is incredible to see how much has been achieved in just over a year.

“We started with abandoned courts and a vision to create opportunities for the community, and today we have a growing club producing fantastic results at every level. Our players and coaches continue to make us proud, and their achievements show what can be accomplished when people are given the right environment to develop. As the club continues to grow, we’re asking businesses and the community to partner with us. Every sponsorship helps us improve our facilities, create more opportunities for our players and ensure that Amanzimtoti Netball Club continues to grow into something the whole community can be proud of,” said Ruan.

The club is preparing to start its second junior season in August.

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