Netball Captains. Schools That Rock kicked off yesterday with a new sport series, where the captains from our schools’ first netball teams tell us more about their captaincy. Our second goal scored in this netball captains series is scored by Bohlokwa Tsemane, captain of Aliwal North High School 1st netball team.
“I started playing netball in grade 1, so around the age of seven. I would say that I am naturally drawn to netball because of the kind of sport it is. It involves so much adrenaline and has consistent end to end action.
Currently I play Goal Attack, but in my first six years of playing netball, I played Wing Attack. It was in 2017 when I was first appointed as captain. At that stage I was still playing for the U.13 team.
We normally have three training sessions per week. Sometimes I stay behind after practice sessions to work on certain things.
My most stressful game was back in 2019 during the Classic Clashes. I fractured my ankle three minutes into the game and was ruled out for the rest of the season. My most exciting game was also in 2019. It was a home game; we were trailing by one point into the last quarter. We eventually equalized and I had the opportunity to score the winner during the last seconds of the game, but I missed! Luckily out of nowhere, my shooter caught the ball before it went out of bounds. While trying to keep her balance she threw the ball at me, presenting a second chance for us to win the game. I scored the shot this time and we won the game!
Short term goals
One of my short term goals is to represent the Eastern Cape at the Telkom Netball Champs this year. My long term goal is to play in the Varsity Cup and the Telkom Netball League when I go to varsity.
Should I rank my top five priorities, I would say my priorities are definitely God above all else! Netball, school, family and my mental well-being. I definitely plan on continuing with netball at Varsity Cup level after school. Hopefully end up in the Proteas team. My main goal is to be in the U.21 National team at the Netball World Youth Cup in 2025.
My worst netball performance was during a practice session where I’d be offside a lot, miss some of my shots, lose possession and easily got frustrated. The whole experience really taught me to be patient with myself and understand that mistakes are bound to happen in this game and what matters is that we learn and move forward from these mistakes.
Other hobbies or interests outside of netball? I’m an introvert, so I enjoy time to myself. Watching movies/ series, cooking and even being in the gym.
With the position I play, there is quite a lot of pressure and personally I thrive under pressure. This is one of the most important strenghts to have, mental strength. I believe it helps me to be a great netball player.
Motivation
I motivate my team by reflecting to them their own potential and then use that to motivate them, instead of using motivational quotes/speeches.
My role player is my first coach in high school, Andriesa Pretorius. I have known her since I’ve started playing netball. She taught me a lot about perseverance and composure.
The greatest challenge faced by today’s sport paticipants, I would say, is a lot of talent but rare exposure.
I manage my netball resposibilities and other recreational and non-recreational activities through time management. I also have an organised schedule. What I have learned about teamwork from my past experiences on teams and captaincy is that communication and delivery is key.
I would say that having the opportunity to play first team at a young age was and still is one of my greatest highlights.
Implemented game plans that helped the team succeed? Yes, the shooter and I would normally do a switch to get the ball faster to the shooting circle. That always helps when we need a point.
First Love Yourself
When I see a teammate struggling with learning a new move or play, I try to expain and demostrate the move to my teammate, making sure that the way I deliver my instuctions to her gives het better understanding. My best advice I received from my coaches is F.L.Y. (First Love Yourself).
My coach and fellow team mates might probably describe me as a very serious person on court and an extremely quiet person off court. Which requirements a skilled coach need? I would say that a genuine connection/understanding with the players would definitely count as a major skill. Not every skill is based on physical ability.
The person I would love to sit down, having coffee, Maria Folau. She is a retired New Zeeland Goal Attack/ shooter. I’ve always been amazed at how composed her performances were, even in the most intense scenarios.
What excites me most in life is the unexpected. I think one thing about me is my ability to adapt. I think when life’s unexpected events take place, it stages a new opportunity for me to adapt and overcome.
My single greatest highlight the past five years, would be representing my province at the National Netball Championships last year.
Describe myself in ons word? Unpredictable.
Photo supplied
More schools news: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za