Moyahabo Mabeba
LIMPOPO – LIKE mother like daughter; is a saying that rings true in the Molokwane family where the phenomenal daughter is accurately following in the footsteps of her venerated mother.
Tiang, the daughter of acclaimed netball player, Cecilia Molokwane, is the bright sporting starlet who sends out such a positive message about the future of netball.
Akin to her mother who was a menacing goal attacker who graduated to become a national selection convener and assistant coach of the Spar-sponsored Proteas, the youngster is also playing at the same position and is a promising coach.
At the tender age of 11 years, the 1,4 meter tall girl’s rapid rise to stardom and the impression she makes at weekend league matches have become the stuff of sporting clichés.
Tiang started her netball career while she was barely eight years old, but the gr. 5 learner and captain at Elica Primary School already stands head and shoulders above her peers and other senior players at Polokwane Rising Stars.
Like her mother, who coached at both provincial and national levels, the young Tiang is respectably known as ‘assistant coach’.
“I always lead from the front… that’s why they call me assistant coach. I have seen my mom in action and I am faithfully following in her footsteps. One day I will achieve the same success did, or better still, be better than her,” says the young lady who also goes by the nickname of ‘Miss T’.
The senior Molokwane is optimistic about the impact her daughter will bring if nurtured well.
“Tiang is an insightful daughter to be proud of. She is gifted in many sporting codes, including swimming. I am confident that one day she will achieve better than me,” reckons Cecilia.