schoolsthatrockNetball Captain. In our popular series on sport captains, Schools That Rock talks to Armani van der Merwe. Armani is the 1st Netball Team Captain of HeronBridge College, a Curro Select School. in Fourways, Johannesburg. Today Armani scores the tenth goal in our series of Netball Captains from schools in South Africa and Namibia.
“My name is Armani van der Merwe and I started playing netball at the age of seven years. I am passionate about netball. I also believe that netball is one of the few women’s sports where elegance and fight meet halfway. Netball allows a group of people to become a team that moves as a unit for the same goal. Personally, it gives me an adrenaline rush of excitement that makes me want to fight for the sport, as well as my team. I believe passion for a sport is showcased through commitment. By doing everything to the best of my ability, as Netball Captain, at practice, at matches and even with any at-home programs, I show my passion for netball.
Current position
I did also participate in other sports like athletics, swimming and soccer in the past. The position I currently play in netball, is a defensive position (goal defence/keeper). in the past I have also played both shooting positions (goal attack/shooter). In my high school career, this my first appointment as captain, although at prep level (in grade 7) I was also appointed netball captain.
The game I really stressed was against St Andrews School for Girls in 2023. It was our final game of the season where we had a season of near misses. Therefore we, as a team, wanted to give it our all. It was our last opportunity to prove ourselves and it had been another close call. In my position as goal attack, I did feel pressure and stress to take more of the goals. On the day, my shooting partner was overwhelmed by all the emotions of it being their last game in high school. So I felt more responsibility in the shooting circle than usual. For it being the last game of the season it was therefore quite stressful.
Personal goal
My personal goal I’d like to achieve this year, would be to redeem ourselves with the few near-missed games from last season. I also believe it can be considered our team goal as well. Without a doubt I believe we have the ability and the means to achieve that and make our school proud.
I do plan to continue playing netball after my school career. I would be overjoyed for an opportunity to try out for a varsity team. If that is not possible, I would be open to joining any extracurricular netball available to me in that area.
Since it is a new year I choose to see it as a clean slate. Therefore as far as I’m concerned, we are equal to the other teams in our league. Therefore, with determination and hard work, I believe anything is possible for this upcoming season.
Motivation
On the court, I have always, even without a Netball Captain title, tried to provide help and motivation. Either by pointing out a certain pass or ‘move’ that is about to happen that my teammate might not see. It could also be by simply expressing words of encouragement. I always believed that if the person before me could do it then I could as well. So, by trying my best at practice and during a match, I believe it gives off the energy that we can all do the drill. We can all fight for the win. By me being an example, I try to energise and motivate my team.
My role model, I would have to say, is our coach, Dr Elsjé Jordaan. After meeting her at netball camp this year and learning more about her national and varsity coaching portfolio I was truly impressed by her initiative to create a place where she can personally educate netball players. For her to take time out of her week to teach girls, who might not be up to university standards, basic skills to progress the sport and future of South African players is in my books fantastic. By observing her work it made me realise that there is always a bigger picture that might require personal sacrifice but benefits the majority.
It’s never a nice feeling to lose a game, but my top nightmare would be when I landed weirdly on my left foot and tore a ligament. Apart from this, it was during the second game of a three-day tournament.
Teamwork
As Netball Captain I truly do believe that with teamwork each person in the team has such an important role. From someone praying for us to someone giving advice and encouraging speeches. As I said, it’s not new, but in my view, more highlighted all these valued jobs don’t necessarily have come from me. I have never thought “I must do it all” because in a team we are all equal and very valued. I know my strengths and weaknesses, and that’s why I’m part of a team that helps each other.
One of the highlights that I experienced in netball was during our 2023 season, winning the last game against St Andrews. That was truly exciting for me. Another highlight in my netball career this year was at the Heronbridge Invitational. I was very proud of myself for managing to play with a torn ligament against a few difficult schools as well as seeing how brilliantly my team did when I was unable to play.
I was personally affected the most by the advice that mindset is key. We need to believe that we are capable of winning and to achieve our goals. That changed my perception towards our competitors and as a team gave us more confidence for the season.
Unfortunately I did not play in the game I enjoyed most. Technically I did not play, as I was in a moon boot. The 2024 alumni game was very entertaining and after a long tournament of seriousness the light-hearted spirit in which the game was played was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed that game.
Toughest match
Talking about my toughest match in my netball career so far, I would say that there have been a few bitter losses. In terms of physically the toughest, I would say the game against Fourways High School at the Heronbridge Invitational 2024. I was playing on my torn ligament (not knowing it was torn) after a few days of netball. The game was also mentally tough as we wanted to achieve a collective goal for our school, making it an important game. I remember feeling quite tired afterwards but it was worth it. I would do it all over again for my school, torn ligament and all.
If I have to be a kitchen article, I would say I’d be a microwave. The reason why is that it might not be the most interesting at all times, but it gets the job done. Sometimes it does something great (like heating milk just before it starts boiling) but it does accidentally make mistakes (such as overcooking the milk).
The professional netball player I would like to have coffee with, is Catherine Tuivaiti. Cathrine is a netball international who has played for Samoa, New Zealand and Tonga. From seeing her play and watching her interviews, I would truly love to get her advice on netball and life. I think she has so much valuable knowledge. After what she has gone through I would want to find out more. For example, I would ask her what the main differences were between the different countries she played for. Plus she has a very vibrant personality so I think it would be a lovely conversation.
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https://www.heronbridge.co.za/
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