Netball Captains. Schools That Rock kicked off a while ago, with a new sport series. The Captains from our High Schools’ first netball teams tell us more about their captaincy. Our Fifth goal scored in this netball series, is by Ameerah Hank. Ameerah is the captain of the 1st netball team at Curro Aurora, Randburg Gauteng.
“I started playing netball at the age of six when I was in Grade 1. I am absolutely passionate about netball. Netball is my safe place where I feel free to express myself without being judged. The position I am currently playing is Goal Attacker and Goal Scorer but I can play in every position.
I do also participate in other sports like softball, soccer and athletics.
I have also been captain in Grade 7 and 8 and now in Grade 11.
Games I stress mostly are games that are close. It means both teams are working hard and equally want the victory. It’s just about which team wants it more and working even harder.
Personal goals
My personal goals I’d like to achieve in the current season, is to join the South African Netball team. For Curro Aurora’s Netball team, my goal is to make it to playoffs and to be placed. After Grade 12, I would also like to get the opportunity and privilege to play at a national level for the Spar Proteas.
My strengths that make me believe that I am a good netball player? Well, I am a hard worker and a very determined individual. I don’t get distracted easily and giving up is not an option. I will never give up until the whistle is blown.
As Netball Captain I keep my team motivated by making sure everyone is happy in an environment that feels safe. They are also free to express themselves.
Bongiswe Msomi
The Coach and player I currently look up to as a role model, is Bongiswe Msomi. She came from having nothing, not even a pair of shoes to play in but she was so determined to work and become a netball player. Now she is one of the greatest players and she captains the South African Spar Proteas.
My biggest netball nightmare/experience was during my indoor netball practice game, three days before my IPTs. I jumped and landed on someone’s foot and whipped my ankle out. I tore my ATFL ligament which in the moment I thought I was out of netball.
What I have learned about teamwork since becoming netball captain is that people are going to have different views. They are going to clash, but you must just be mature enough, level headed, not to take it personally and be willing to compromise within reason.
The Highlights of Netball for me has been making it into the Gauteng team. It was such an unreal experience. I was over the moon and so proud of myself to have been a part of the 30 girls selected, out of 12 000 girls that tried out. As netball captain my heart sings just watching my team celebrate and seeing the team spirit we have, whether we win or lose. The support amongst us girls are truly admirable, which makes me happy to be a part of the team.
Advice
When I see one of my team members struggling with new challenges in the game I talk and help them through the game. Keeping them calm is always beneficial to the tea. We cannot have frustration on the courts. it might end up with someone getting injured which is what we always trying to avoid. The best advice I’ve ever received from your coaches is that every player Is going to have a bad day, but that player must not let that day define them. A good player is a player that can play their position well. A great player is a player that can play any position to the best of their ability without giving up.
My most enjoyable game I’ve ever played was at school, Curro Aurora vs Waterstone. Our team pushed through and kept fighting till the last whistle and even though we lost, they kept a smile on the whole time. Outside of school was my Indoor IPTs. We were playing semi-finals against Western Province. It was a tough game and we were down 5 points. We pushed and came out victorious which sent us to finals against Western Gauteng, our rivals.
Balance
To be completely honest I struggle to maintain a balance in my sporting, academic and other commitments. Maintaining a balance between my different activities, aspects in life and academics is hard. Although sports is my priority. I deal with everything else once I have conquered my sport. Furthermore I try to do at least four hours of academics a day to stay on track. I normally don’t commit to a lot because of my sports, but I do try to keep somewhat of a social life.
My coach and team members describe me as determined, motivated and uplifting.
If I were to be a kitchen article, I’d be a spoon, because it’s versatile.
The professional netball player I would like to have coffee with, is Bongisiwe Msomi from South African and Steph Wood from Australia.
Other hobbies and interests I have besides netball is Softball and Art.
What makes me happiest in life, are my family, friends, and teammates.
To describe myself in one word? Competitive“
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