Volleyball’s golden boy takes long strides
Thanks in no small part to the young star, Nathaniel Rafapha, LVA brought home three medals from the country's premier volleyball event.
LIMPOPO – Local volleyball’s golden boy, Nathaniel Rafapha (23), made a rapid rise through the ranks from school level to the provincial setup which suggests he is a fast learner and an asset to the sport.
Along with his beach volleyball partners, Moses Mamabolo and Pester Shiburi, Rafapha was one of the outstanding players in Limpopo’s remarkable campaign during this year’s Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT).
After surviving a series of onslaughts as a novice, today he is class a act.
His performance was instrumental when Limpopo Volleyball Association (LVA) asserted itself as a force to be reckoned with during this year’s instalment of the IPT held in Bloemfontein. Thanks in no small part to Rafapha, LVA brought home three medals from the country’s premier event.
He has been chosen several times in the past five years for the provincial fold, owing to his fierce and fearless blocking, coupled with great sportsmanship.
Since enrolling for a Bachelor of accounting science at the University of Limpopo, he has been a regular feature in the team for the University Sport of South Africa in both formats of the game.
His recent exploits with Mamabolo at Volleyball South Africa’s Talent Identification Beach Tournament in Port Elizabeth has become the stuff of sporting legends.
“I’ve learned a lot. Going forward, I need to take the experiences from the games we played and use them for the coming games,” the young star said.
