Netball star Brittany has come a long way from aspirant mascot

BRITTANY Naidoo, 17, had no idea she would achieve her KwaZulu-Natal Colours in netball four times between 2012 and this year. Initially, she tried out to be the Atlanta Netball Club team mascot, but she was soon excelling at the sport itself.

Today, the budding star has a list of career highlights, after taking to the game with absolute passion.

It came as no surprise to her parents that she achieved so much, so quickly, once she got her hands on the ball because, according to them, she is dedicated beyond measure, both academically and athletically.

In 2011, Naidoo received a sports scholarship with Ridge Park College, placing her in the open team, coached by Monique Fakrodeen.

Aged 13, she was the youngest and only Indian player in the school open division side, playing outdoor and action netball, when her team won the league.

“I always imagined being part of a team. I just liked the sport as a whole, and that just ignited my passion to go further. School as well, played a big part, because they sent me for selections and trials that led to my success,” said Naidoo.

She began her sports journey aged just 11, with her school team at Parkview Primary. After joining the Atlanta Netball Club, she represented Umlazi District Netball at 12. She was then chosen to participate in the KZN Outdoor selections at Richards Bay.

Proudest

“This was our proudest moment as parents. There was such strong competition, with players from all coastal regions, when she was selected to represent KZN Outdoor Netball as a Goal Shooter. Since then, she hasn’t looked back, and has focused on achieving greater milestones in netball,” said her father, Devan Naidoo.

He added that on Brittany’s first tour to Boksburg, Gauteng, she was headed-hunted by local coaches and began playing for the Titans Club.

“As parents we are proud of her netball achievements, and being the only player from our community,” he said.

Brittany used her experience and excelled further in the sport, representing KZN Outdoor Netball on a second tour to Rustenburg. Thereafter, representing the Natal Action Netball Association since grade eight, KZN Action Netball Association in Cape Town and Gauteng.

She has now reached her final year of schooling, with her 18th birthday just a week away.

Thinking ahead, Brittany said she would love to represent South Africa some day, which would mean she is “part of something bigger”, and has thought about “going professional”. For now, however, she intends to achieve a degree in Commerce, while balancing her sporting ambitions.

“I think studying is very important. I want to study in the commerce field, business, business management or project management,” she said.

Follow Brittany Naidoo on Instagram: @Callmebritx or me on Twitter: @SheetalCross.