Proteas bank on legend
WITH 72 caps, two World Cups and as many Commonwealth Games under her belt, former SA netball captain Precious Mthembu has come a long way with the Proteas.
Although she refuses to be branded a legend, the 31-year-old has a ball named after her - the Gilbert Precious Mthembu Signature ball – an honour fitting a player who has served the country with distinction at centre and wing defence since 2006.
In fact, she has also represented South Africa in basketball.
“I don’t see myself as a legend, I’m just a proud Protea,” chuckled Mthembu, who plays for KZN’s Kingdom Stars at club level.
Nonetheless, her experience will be key to the Proteas side that will face Wales in the Spar Challenge Series that starts at Durban’s International Convention Centre tonight. Mthembu and centre Erin Burger are among the longest-serving players in the current team to do duty in the three-match Test series that ends on Sunday.
Wales and South Africa have met 11 times in international competition with the Proteas winning every Test.
“Preshy” has gone through the hands of four coaches and has also seen players come and go in her 10 years with the national team.
“They will want to prove a point and they have about five players who play in the English league,” warned Mthembu.
“But we have a balanced team with a good mix of experience and youth.”
Reflecting on her illustrious career, Mthembu said the only piece of the puzzle missing was an opportunity to play abroad.
“There are a lot of opportunities now compared to when we started. For an example, there is a structured league, the Brutal Fruit Netball League, where players get to play regular and competitive netball. Any player would like to play overseas and I wished to have played there.”
She said working under World Cup winning coach Norma Plummer has re-energised her to carry on without thinking about retirement any time soon.
“Yes, there is this thing that age matters, but what you put on the court is what counts.”
Off the court, Mthembu – who is from KwaNyuswa in KZN – is a physical education teacher and sports coordinator at Inanda Seminary School.