New Zealand-bound Didintle Keebine believes it’s critical for her to remain injury-free in order to make her official debut for South Africa’s Fast 5 netball team.
Keebine, 26, is part of the South African team that will take part in the World Series competition in Christchurch Arena on November 5 and 6.
The Fast 5 series tournament sees six of the world’s top-ranked countries pitted together in a round-robin format with the best two finishers battling it out in the final.
She said her story was different from those of her teammates after undergoing the trials and training camp from September 9 to 11 in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.
“I was not called up in the initial squad announcement on the 11th, and five days later, the official team announcement post was out on social media [Instagram and Facebook]. Guess what, I was a non-travelling reserve. And two weeks later, I received a call from coach Martha [Mosoahle-Samm] informing me that I’m on the team and I will be going to New Zealand. This can only testify to God’s goodness. There’s no other explanation,” said Keebine.
The Vorna Valley resident, who plays wing-defence, said she received the call while she was at work, and could not hold her emotions as she shed tears of joy upon receiving the good news.
Keebine said her first national call-up was with the Baby Proteas [South Africa’s U21] in the Test series against Wales. However, this will be her official debut representing the country.
“For most of us in the team, this will be our debut representing the country internationally, and it’s exciting. Individually, I just can’t wait to learn as much as I can and be blown away with the aim of just going out there to enjoy myself on the court and not hold back.”
She said as a player she harbours ambitions of representing South Africa internationally, and one day playing in England.
She said between Mondays and Tuesdays, she plays indoor action netball games in Sandton and Midrand where she focuses on her strength and conditioning.
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