Danville Park Girls’ High School educator shoots for the stars

LAST year ended on a high for Danville Park Girls’ High School educator, Precious Mthembu, who was named Sport Personality of the Year at the KZN Sport Awards ceremony.

This year has started off much in the same fashion as Mthembu has been named the head coach of Kingdom Queens netball team.

The team play in the Telkom Netball League.

Mthembu, who announced her retirement from professional sport at the end of last year, has represented the South Africa national netball team at the highest levels.

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“To be honest, this is something I’ve been working towards especially as I’m committed to developing young athletes in the sport. I’m fully retired from the game now, I needed to know I was making the right decision for myself. The engine is still there but I feel like mentoring and coaching young girls is where my future and my passion lies now. Coaching is the next stepping stone of my career and I’m really excited for what the future holds,” she said.

The 37-year-old’s schedule is fully booked this year as she not only coaches the Kingdom Queens team but also the UKZN netball team as well as the Gilbert Stars and Danville’s netball teams.

“I have very little time for me,” she laughed. “Having said that, I enjoy this role as I’ve been a player and I know what the young athletes are going through. They need the support from the structures within the game. There’s so much talent in KZN and we need to unearth that.

“We have always produced some exceptional players in the top leagues in the province but I think we also need to guide the younger generation. Netball changed my life and I’m hoping I can inspire others to follow in my footsteps. 2022 will be a busy year for me but I’m thrilled to learn from other coaches and athletes in the game. My involvement with the UKZN team is also about identifying and keeping talent here in KZN,” she said.