PINETOWN Girls’ High School (PGHS) PE coach, Mandisa Hlela has been chosen as the vice captain of the KZN Kingdom Queens netball team.
Hlela never thought she would make it this far as she was always intimidated by other girls in primary school.
“The feeling I experienced on the court kept me going,” she said.
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In high school, Hlela got a grip of the game with the help of a netball coach who she said was very supportive.
“While I studied at the Durban University of Technology I was more exposed to the game that I truly loved. My coach, Elliot Mthiya built me up,” she said.
Working at the school did not stop Hlela from pursuing netball as she plays for the Pinetown Eagles and PMB Giants.
Although Hlela said she took a break last year to find herself, she never imagined stopping completely as over the years there are many young girls who have been inspired to pursue the sport.
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“For me, netball brought a sense of discipline. After the break I took I could say I came back stronger and my faith had grown. I now feel as if I’m invincible,” said Hlela.
So when the opportunity was announced earlier this year for clubs to go to trials, she grabbed it with both hands. On Tuesday, 11 August, Hlela received the wonderful news that she made the team.
Not enough sponsors for women in sports.
Hlela said it bothers her that in this day and age, sports which involve women does not receive the exposure it deserves.
“The challenges women teams usually face is obtaining a sponsorship, there are few companies or individuals which sponsor us.
” She said over the years SPAR has been the main sponsor for netball.The mother of an eight-year-old daughter, advised other women to support each other and participate in sport as there are many opportunities.
“Sport is good for one’s body. A person who participates in sport is bound to lead a healthy lifestyle,” she added.
She said the sport industry is quite broad.
“You get to network, rub shoulders with your role models and there are some job opportunities as I studied sports management,” said Hlela.
She said that its never easy to reach your goal but it can be achieved with patience and determination.
She thanked the PGHS for supporting and motivating her at a time when she felt like quitting.
“They have inspired me to become a better version of myself as I am quite shy but flourish on the field.”
She added that she also has a very supportive gran and pleaded with parents to support their children in their ventures.
“My daughter is also very active and I always ensure that I support her,” she said.
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