Bongi shines at Commonwealth Games

WHEN the phrase ‘climbing the ladder of success’ was coined, it was meant for Northlands Primary School teacher Bongiwe Msomi. The 26-year-old recently returned from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where she helped the South African netball team secure sixth position. Her diminutive stature (1.66m) in a game where height is a dominant feature has never deterred her.

Since a young age, Msomi admits she was never sporty, however her introduction the game sparked a meritorious rise in the success rungs.

From representing KZN U19 team at the SA Games to representing her country on one of the grandest stages of them all, Msomi has never looked back.

Her introduction to the netball began in Grade 11 when some of her friends asked her to try out netball.

“I was never sporty, I wasn’t even remotely interested. They had six people in their squad and they needed a seventh so I joined them. That same year I was selected for the eThekwini squad and that’s when my mindset changed. Suddenly I saw a future with the sport and the chance to represent my country,” she enthused.

The former Hammersdale resident said her recent trip to Glasgow with the national team was one of the highlights of her career so far.

“We were disappointed to finish with a medal but there were so many expectations before the Commonwealth Games started. We also wanted to better our world rankings which we didn’t do but we have a young squad and given time we will be a force to reckon with.”

Netball has also given Msomi’s life another facet; coaching. Not only does she coach the U13 Northlands Primary School first team but she also coaches DUT’s team, where she studied.

“For me coaching is one way of giving back to youngsters and motivating them to dream bigger,” she said.