Tsakani – Susan Mokoena, a 17-year-old learner at Tholulwazi Secondary School, was selected to compete in a netball tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The Grade 12 learner could not contain her excitement when she described what this opportunity meant for her.
“This will be my first time travelling overseas, and I’m the first person in my family to do so,” she said.
The school’s netball team participated in the St Andrews Netball Festival in Randburg. Mokoena was named the best player and given a pamphlet containing the best news she could have ever expected.
“I only realised when I got home that the pamphlet was an invitation to represent SA in Dubai. I could not believe it,” she said.
She will compete in a netball tournament called Dubai7s in November and needs sponsorship to cover her travelling fees.
She began playing netball in Grade Seven when she was 13. At the start of her high school career, she no longer played due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
“I started playing for a local team called Youngsters. We would compete in leagues in Mpumalanga. The last time we played at the UMP, we were fourth. Every time we played locally, I was always selected as the best player,” she said.
Mokoena said netball has taught her not to judge a book by its cover and to socialise with others.
“I learned that treating everyone respectfully on and off the court is important. I’ve had incidents where someone looked down on me until they realised I’m a good player, changing their initial perception of me,” she explained.
She further explained that she was hesitant about playing the goalkeeper position, but grew more confident with each game.
“Getting sponsorship would be a relief for me and my mother. Any amount or donation will be appreciated. My grandmother taught me to be grateful for whatever I receive,” she said.
Her coach, Celiwe Nxumalo, a former learner and now teacher at the school, sang Mokoena’s praises when she spoke about what a great netball player she is.
“She plays goalkeeper, goal attack and goal shooter. It’s a great advantage playing three positions. I believe she will represent us well,” Nxumalo said.
This will not be the first time a learner from the school will travel overseas for netball.
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In 2018, two learners were selected to represent SA to compete in Ireland, and in the same year, another learner was named the best player and chosen to compete in Mauritius.
Mokoena is following in her coach’s footsteps. She said she has big dreams for her netball career.
“I told myself at the beginning of this year that I will leave a mark. One day, I will be the captain of the Protea netball team and I hope my mom will still be alive to witness that,” she exclaimed.
If anyone would like to help with sponsorship, call Nxumalo on 071 955 6113 or Susan’s mother on 067 281 1410.
