By Lekhotla Mokoena
For many its just sports and entertainment, but for Netball Coach, Nthabeleng Chantell Motloung it goes beyond pumping the ball and shaking the nets. It is love for the sport, passion and willingness to see her players succeed and a calling.
Coach Chantell started unearthing raw young netball players since from 2021, in Zamdela Sasolburg, through Morgans Football and Netball Team. Her love for this sport started while still in school as a player and went beyond. She wanted to keep these young girls busy and away from many social ills and challenges such teenage pregnancy, alcohol and substance abuse.
Coach Chantell develop and train young girls from the age of 11-16 years, who love and have passion for netball. Her netball team participates in the Fezile Dabi District League and has made it into the finals that will be played later this year. Amazingly they reached this stage without losing a single game.
Through her efforts and decication she has unearthed talented players that have been recognized.
Two of her players Keketso Senooe and Tshepang Letsholo were selected to be part of the Free State Netball Team the Sonoblomo in the Telkom Netball League, earlier this year. Not only that but again five of her team players were selected for the Under 21 Championships in Cape Town, but due to lack of finances and other resources they had to sadly miss the tournament.
Fortunately the same players have been selected again for the upcoming under 21 championships to be held in Boksburg, Gauteng province later this year.
Like in many sporting codes around townships, there are many challenges. “We don’t have a proper training and playing field, and can’t host tournament, making it difficult even for parents to watch their children play. The team has other challenges also like attire and other playing tools that are necessary for proper training and development of players” said Coach Chantell.
Coach Chantell says she will encourage young girls to take part in sports and be active. She also encourages parents to be involved by supporting their children who are active in their sporting codes.
“I’m happy that I have a team of parents that supports us, and working together I truly believe that my wish of witnessing some of my players playing for the Netball National Team, the Spar Proteas will be realized” concludes Coach Chantell.
