Local netball player Sphosenkosi-Gift Koloi (20) believes that men’s netball is slowly on the rise, but he is adamant that it will develop even further.
He said although he became enthralled with the sport several years ago. The official opening of the 2021 Men’s International Netball Tournament by Netball South Africa was a sign that the sport was well on its way to recognition.
During his childhood, Koloi, who currently plays for the Thunderbirds as a wing and goal defence player, had a fond love for netball, even though it was perceived as a sport usually only played by women.
However, Koloi was too shy to get on the court and showcase his talents. “When other children wanted to kick the ball [play soccer], I wanted to throw it [play netball] from a young age. However, I could not do that because of the society I grew up in. There were misconceptions among the society that netball was only for girls, but I never gave up. As a child, I always visited the girls’ netball ground to watch their games, and I fell in love with the sport as a result,” he explained.
“My love of the sport grew as I spent time there almost every day. One day their coach called me and asked me to join them as a player. She saw potential in me, and from that moment, I never looked back.”
Having begun playing netball at 16 and went on to win eight medals including a participation certificate from the Ekurhuleni Netball Association (ENA).
Moreover, he was also selected as a member of the male netball championship team. He understands the importance of keeping fit as well as any sports player of any level, which is why he trains every Monday and Saturday for two hours, even in the midst of juggling schoolwork and sports.
“Netball has helped me a lot in life. Besides keeping me fit it has prevented me from doing wrong things such as participating in criminal activities, using drugs, and teenage pregnancy.”
Koloi also draws inspiration from South African netball player Bongiwe Msomi. “If you have a passion for something, just strive for it, against all odds, and eventually you will succeed. I believe that with Netball South Africa’s support, males who play this sport will finally have an opportunity to be recognised beyond measure as they play this sport.”
