DANVILLE Park Girls’ High School has had a sterling start to its action netball season this year so far with the team triumphing in two tournaments. The girls recently won the Senior Schools Action Netball (Open 1A) League and preceded that victory by winning the First Team Tournament, held at Kingsway High School.
Northglen News recently caught up with two of the team’s star players and Grade 11 pupils, Corize Olivier and Snayo Ndaba, who explained the reasons behind their success.
“It may be clichéd but it was all about teamwork. The unity among the team is incredibly strong and we believe in each other, which shows out on the court. I’m very proud of my teammates,” explained Corize.
Her thoughts were echoed by Snayo, who added that the scope of action netball had widened because of international and national competitions.
“Not too many people know about action netball, but competitions like the Brutal Fruit Netball competition have given the game more exposure and ultimately made it more accessible, especially at school level. I think the team members all have similar goals and we work for each other,” she said.
For Corize, her journey into playing netball began in fortuitous circumstances.
“I loved hockey, and I remember in Grade 7 making the provincial hockey team, which was a huge achievement. I did play netball but I would say I was an average player, but my coach changed my mindset and that broadened my game. I also changed positions. In time hockey fell away and now I love being out on the action netball court,” Corize said.
Snayo was at the opposite end of the spectrum.
“I sucked at hockey and I liked netball better. I just find the sport exhilarating and I want to excel in it and hopefully one day make the national squad,” Snayo said.
