Duduza – Refiloe Tshabalala joined the Eyethu Badminton Club when she was nine and her dedication and consistency are what put her where she is now – being selected to be part of the SA U15 national team at the All Africa Junior Championships in Harare.
In 2019 she represented the Eastern Gauteng Badminton Association (EGBA) at the SA U9, U11 and U13 Inter-Provincial Championships in Bloemfontein.
In 2021 she competed in the Inter-Provincial Championships in Benoni, representing EGBA at SA U15 level.
She was also selected for the national team.
Last year she represented EGBA at the SA U13 in KZN where she won three silver medals in singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
She was also selected for the SA U13 national team.
In June, she was part of the EGBA team at the SA U15 championships in Cape Town. She was then selected to be part of the SA U15 national team at the All Africa Junior Championships in Harare, Zimbabwe next month.
Refiloe’s coach Bongani Simelane said, “Her consistency has brought out the best in her. We as the team hope she never stops doing good, not just in badminton but in life generally. There is more to come out from our young phoenix as she epitomises rising from personal challenges.
“Like the mythical bird she transforms adversity into strength, inspiring all with her remarkable comeback and unyielding spirit. Her journey is a powerful symbol of rebirth and triumph.”
