Local netball coach in ICU after fall
The national and international netball guru is still in a high-risk phase of her recovery; however, her condition is stable
Ravenswood netball coach and umpire Judith Nel (Snr) is in ICU after she fell on March 15.
Nel is a D5 and Ekurhuleni chairperson (netball), Gauteng umpire convenor, international graded umpire, action netball and indoor netball coach, South African Schools Netball (SASN) graded umpire and SASN coach. She is renowned for her involvement in school netball. According to her daughter, Judith Prinsloo, the incident happened at ISE Sports Arena at around 3pm.
“My mother was putting out the netball kit on the table that is one step up on a wooden deck. The next moment she lost her footing on the deck and fell backwards, where she hit her head on the cement floor with immense impact,” Prinsloo explained.
Nel was taken to the Tambo Memorial Hospital, where she stayed until her family moved her to a private hospital on March 20. Prinsloo wished not to divulge the name of the hospital. 
Prinsloo said Nel is still in a high-risk phase of her recovery; however, her condition is stable.
“She sustained a brain injury. We recently met up with the neurosurgeon specialist to discuss the results of her brain MRI scan. The impact of the fall caused trauma to the left frontal lobe part of the brain (memory, speech, motion). No surgery has been scheduled for now and the neurosurgeon is keeping a close eye on her brain pressure. We have decided to let the brain work through the trauma and heal itself. It seems her speech and memory is most affected. She is undergoing physiotherapy and speech therapy. “She will remain in ICU, where she will be closely monitored by specialists.
“The doctors can’t provide a timeline on how long the recovery will take, but we are positive that she is receiving the best treatment. We’re still trying to process what happened. It’s been an emotional journey for the family,” she added.
Prinsloo stressed that her mother’s medical expenses is coming out of the Nel family’s pockets, and they are raising funds for her treatment. Community members can stay updated about fund-raising initiatives by following Little fighter Chereez Nel or ISE Boksburg – Gladiators Indoor Arena on Facebook. Prinsloo thank everybody, including Nel’s netball family, for their love and support during this difficult time. Anybody who is able to help the family may contact Angelique Nel on 071 873 7425 or Prinsloo on 072 220 5011 or at judith.prinsloo@designxd.co.za
Also Read: Netball star to enter SPAR Virtual Women’s Challenge
Also Read: Aspiring netball player receives financial support
