The Seven Girls Netball Club in Praktiseer is in dire need of sponsorships.
The coach and founder, Emily Maatjie, said since the team got off the ground a year ago, they have never had any sponsorship.
She said they had tried in vain to get support from the local businesses, with no luck.
“We wish to resurrect netball in Tubatse, but lack of funds and sponsorships have derailed us. We have more than 20 players representing the U13, U17 and U19 teams. Our challenges include lack of balls, netball kits, bibs and other sporting equipment. We also plead for donations such as sanitary towels as most of our players come from neediest families.”
Maatjie believes that if the Limpopo government and local business start supporting netball in the Sekhukhune region, it will keep girls off the streets.
She is assisted by a long-time friend, TK Motau. They both mentor and train the players, and arrange matches for them.
She said growing up as orphan ensured that she dedicates most of her time to uplifting young girls.
“I lost my mother when I was nine years old. My aim is to ensure that young girls in local communities have bright future and excel in sports.”
“We are not planning to quit the sporting code due to the challenges. To us, netball is not just a sport, but a platform to unite these young girls to help them get away from immoral activities and teenage pregnancy. We appeal to anyone to come forward to help us with sponsorships,” she said.
Locals willing to assist the Seven Girls Netball Club can engage the team managers on 067 820 2058 or 078 164 8352.
