Vivian Venancio (17) from Hoërskool Dinamika recently took part in the Telkom Junior National Championship and she has been selected for the South Africa schools team.
Players chosen for the team will travel to Malawi in December for a competition.
“I am without words to be quite honest. The only thing I know is that I am very excited,” said the tall netball player.
It is netball or nothing for Vivian
Vivian has been playing netball for 10 years since Grade One, taking a short break from the sport.
It has been the second time she was chosen for the top 35 players from which the final schools team is chosen. “I was selected as part of the 35 crop of players in 2021, but I did not make it to the final team.”
Vivian said she felt demotivated at the time, but when she got the chance to be a part of the top 35 once again, she grabbed it with both hands.
“Life does not always offer second chances so I feel lucky,” she said.
Vivian normally plays goalkeeper but has also played goal defence and shooter.
Netball is her escape from reality. “I enjoy all the challenges the sport offer. Just the game itself is what drives me. In a way it challenges me, but in another way, it helps me to destress,” she said.
“I also like meeting new players and coaches. Travelling to different schools also allows me to see the country.”
A challenge for her is that the sport can be expensive. “It is also very time-consuming in a good way.”
“I just want to thank say thank you to my coach, Karen Bezuidenhout who never gave up on me. Also thank you to my mom Nadia Aljofre for all the cheers and support,” said Vivian.
This and that
Vivian was born and raised in Alberton. She is one of five children. She went to Kenton Primary School and started her high school career at Hoërskool Dinamika.
When she gets the chance, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
She plans to study education after she matriculated. “One of my dreams is to be an English teacher one day,” she said.
Domingos Venancio, her father, is her biggest fan. “He is my number one supporter. He motivates me to always do better.”
Many might not know this, but Vivian is also a keen basketball player.
“It is the one thing I share with my dad and that is the love for basketball. We play mostly on weekends.”
Vivian’s motto in life is that nothing is impossible. “The word itself says I’m possible”.
