Netballers fly Ndlambe flag at national event
Coach, players make most of opportunity in Potchefstroom
Netball coach Nomawethu Ngangqu and her charges, Sibusiso Klaas and Yonela Fani, were selected for the Sarah Baartman senior netball squad playing in the national Spar Netball Tournament in Potchefstroom recently.
Players were selected from netball teams across Sarah Baartman. Klaas plays for Marselle, Kenton team Junior Sundowns and Fani plays for Port Alfred team We Are One. Ekuphumleni, Kenton-on-Sea resident Ngangqu was trusted with the responsibility of coaching the squad.
An elated Ngangqu reflected on the pride of coaching a team that competed against teams from different provinces. She welcomed the hot seat and saw it as a golden opportunity.
“It was a great experience and a great journey too,” Nqangqu said. “We left here on Saturday August 6 and came back on Saturday August 13.
“It was my first time going to a national tournament and to be selected as coach. That was a huge achievement for me as a person and for my team as well as the community I come from.
“To be acknowledged by the Sarah Baartman chair as someone who can lead the district team – that means a lot and made me want to do more for sport, especially netball,” she said.
Ngangqu said she would share the experience she had gained with her local colleagues in sport. They had supported her since they elected her as the chair of the Ndlambe structure.
“It’s because of their support and the way we work together that made me get elected for this position,” she said. “I was nervous – I won’t lie! – but I’m used to working with people.
“Also there is a course that I have done called Social Emotional Learning and I used those skills so that I can do my duties with confidence. I have learnt a lot, especially in leadership.”
Ngangqu said that rubbing shoulders with national netball players and Netball South Africa president Cecilia Molokwane was the highlight of her trip.
“The highlight of the trip for me was to have an opportunity to meet South Africa netball players,” Nqangqu said.
“Wooow that was amazing and I couldn’t believe it! I also spent time with the president of Netball South Africa. Those opportunities are rare for people like me who come from small communities,” she said.
Ngangqu said after coming back, she had used her trip to encourage her players to make names for themselves in sport. She says there are opportunities in sport and she is of the view that parents in general should encourage sport.
“I would like to say to people that sport doesn’t have an age and size: as long as you are mentally and physically strong, you can play sport.
“To kids, please spend as much time in sport as you can. That will also help you in your academics, build confidence, help you socialise with other people and make friends. Mostly, it’s lots of fun.”
Finally, she thanked her father, Boy Ngangqu, and her whole family for their support.
As long as you are mentally and physically strong, you can play sport.
Nomawethu Ngangqu Netball coach