Precious nets SA Commonwealth Games dream
The 33-year-old, who is appearing at her third Commonwealth Games said she is excited about the upcoming competition.
IN recent years the rise of the SPAR Proteas netball team has been on display for everyone to see. If there was any doubt, the recent SANZEA (South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia) Quad Series in the UK where South Africa took on the likes of England Roses, the Australian Diamonds and the Silver Ferns of New Zealand, showed how far the women’s team had come.
Despite losing all the games, the margins of victory were narrowed by the Proteas, a sure sign of improvement under the tutelage of experienced head coach, Norma Plummer and led by skipper, Bongiwe Msomi.
Currently ranked fifth in the world, the team has steadily moved up the world rankings thanks to their fearless attitude on the court and the big hearts.
One person who has been part of the rise is Precious Mthembu. The former Virginia Preparatory School and Danville Park Girls’ High School learner will be hoping for a podium finish as the team get ready for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games which begin next month.
The 33-year-old, who is appearing at her third Commonwealth Games said she is excited about the upcoming competition.
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“I think having been through my first Commonwealth appearance I feel a little more confident. When you are new you tend to, at times, be overwhelmed by what is going around you. I think with these games I’ll be able to focus on my own game and get into the zone quicker.
“That being said, I’m very excited about the upcoming games. It is always an honour representing my country and the highlight of wearing the green and gold is singing national anthem. You stand there in the line-up and sing and you think about the millions of South Africans standing with you and those who want to play for the team, it is just an incredibly proud moment and humbling one at the same time,” she said.
Speaking on the team’s chances, Mthembu believes the Proteas fearlessness on the court may be a determining factor.
“We have about nine or 10 players currently playing in leagues around the world which is invaluable for any player. I think these Commonwealth Games is going to be one of the toughest competitions yet. In part that was determined by how well we did in the Quad series where we lost narrowly to Australia, the number one ranked team.
“In previous games we were there to just add numbers, but we’ve closed the score margins against the bigger teams and improved the tempo of our performances. So we are going there to do our best and not just to participate,” she said.
Mthembu, who now teaches at Danville and is head of netball at the school said she hopes to inspire young girls in KZN to aim high, work hard and achieve their goals.
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