St Peter’s learners to represent Gauteng
SUNNINGHILL – These three players hope the nerves will settle before the action netball Interprovincial Tournament later in March.
Three St Peter’s College learners will represent their province in the Central Gauteng Action Netball U17 team.
Grade 11 learners Kishania Naidoo, Miescha Valadao and Athenkosi Matshaya each began playing netball at different ages. All three represent St Peter’s College in outdoor netball as well the Sandton Action Sports Club and will be representing their province for the first time.
The general reaction from the players was of excitement and nerves.
Miescha said, “The pressure is on. We were all caught up in the adrenaline and hype, but now the atmosphere is getting a bit intense since the tournament is coming up soon… five years ago, I never thought I would be in this team and at this capacity with my skills.”
Players had to play in the Super League to qualify for IPT in the third term. The girls played for their arena in the Sandton Sharks. The trials were held over two weekends.
All three girls have passions for other sports. Kishania said she enjoys playing football and has been since Grade 8, Athenkosi added she has a big passion for basketball as well.
With all the players in their second final year of school, the pressure to keep up the academics is high. The players mentioned that time management is key, and one should try not to procrastinate. “I spend about four to five hours at the courts since I also play for corporate league. So I would do my work on the weekends and as well as at the courts during my time there and working in between games,” Miescha said.
The players enjoy the social aspect of action netball and said they would continue that to make it a hobby more than pursuing it as a career. “I would like to play for the Proteas should the opportunity come. But I know what I want to do since the sporting career is quite risky. So playing in my spare time wherever I go, that’s fine with me,” said Kishania.
The girls have big dreams when it comes to what they want to do in the future. Kishania wants to study law, either in the country or overseas. Miescha wants to go to the United States and study at New York Film Academy, and Athenkosi wants to be involved in the sports science area.
Related Article:
