There was a lot of excitement and buzz when Netball South Africa president Cecilia Molokwane visited Matlapaneng Primary School in Mohlakeng.
She also brought the World Cup trophy and its mascot, Letsatsi (meaning Sun), to the school, much to the delight of the learners.
The trophy is now on tour in preparation for the Netball World Cup [https://netball.sport/events-and-results/netball-world-cup], which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from July 28 to August 6, this year.
Everyone was celebrating and dancing as the bus was escorted by a motorcade of bikes and vehicles that came to visit the learners and their teachers.
Other dignitaries that were also present were the former acting mayor of Rand West City, Dan Machaba and district officials.
During the occasion, Matlapaneng principal, Mapule Mpotoane received an official World Cup netball called Kganya (Light) from Cecilia.
“It is a pleasure and honour as Matlapaneng and the community to receive Netball SA. We also regard ourselves as fortunate to have had former minister Nathi Mthethwa officially open a state-of-the-art sporting facility for the school recently,” said Mapule.
This occasion was also supported by other sporting codes like professional soccer players Karabo “Stich” Tshepe and Orlando Pirates player Makhehleni Makhaula.
In her address, Cecilia gave a motivational talk to the learners. She mentioned how she grew up in a rural area and did not have much.
“Life given on a silver platter is never appreciated, we are what we are because of the teachers. School and sport go hand in hand,” she said.
She went on to praise Proteas men’s netball captain, Dukies Mokaila who is rated in the top 10 male players in the world. Three men from Mohlakeng are also part of the Protea men’s netball team. Cecilia is also part of the Africa Netball and International World Cup structures.
“She was once excluded from the national team because of her skin colour, she, however, stayed determined to make a difference in netball,” said Gauteng MEC for Sport, Art, Culture and Recreation, Morokane Mosupye, who was also at the event.
“As a former Matlapaneng learner, I am proud to be part of this prestigious occasion, as the Protea men’s captain, we will make sure to support the girls in their bid to emerge at this global sporting showpiece, the Netball World Cup,” said Dukies.
