Malalo found passion and power in sports

Mulalo Silima, co-mayor of the JHB Junior Council writes:

I am passionate about sports and find solace on the court when playing netball, on the field when playing soccer, on the water when rowing, and on the track when running. I have faced some tough times during my high school career, but when I play sports, it seems that all my worries fade away.

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Sports has become my escape, my way to express myself and build confidence. Through my dedication and hard work, I have become a key player on the respective teams of my various sports. The friendships I have formed with my teammates embody one of a sisterhood, always pushing each other to do better.

As I continue to strive for excellence in my various sporting activities, I have begun to realise the impact sport has on my life. It teaches me discipline, valuable teamwork skills, and resilience. I have learned how to handle both victories and defeats with grace, and how to bounce back from setbacks.

However, the impact of sports goes beyond just playing the sports for me. It gives me a sense of purpose and direction. Through my love for netball, athletics, rowing, and soccer I have decided to apply to study Bachelor of Commerce in Econometrics at the University of Pretoria, a university that has an excellent sporting programme and facilities that would allow me to continue with netball, the sport I enjoy and excel in most.

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I do not want my sporting days to be a thing of the past or something I simply ‘used to do’. Sports is a part of my identity, woven into my DNA and that is something I never want to let go of. Sports can truly have a profound impact on someone’s life. It can shape their character, provide a sense of belonging, and even inspire important decisions that pave the way to their future. In my case, it has led me to develop a new motto for the next two years: “Tuks of niks”.

I will dedicate the remainder of this year to working incredibly hard in my academics to achieve marks that secure me a spot at the university I have become fixated on. It will not be a walk in the park but it is a journey I am willing to make.

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