The Protea netball star Khanyisa Chawane has encouraged budding players at the Lesedi Primary School to rise above their challenges and use sport and education as their power instruments.
She spoke at the school in Bloemfontein during the launch of Telkom’s Stand Tall campaign on Monday (08/05).
Chawane is one of the brand ambassadors creating awareness about the 2023 Netball World Cup that South Africa will be hosting in Cape Town from 28 July until 6 August.
The other ambassadors are Bongi Msomi, Tshina Mdau and Izette Griesel. They have all been chosen based on their personal stories reflecting how they rose to great heights from humble beginnings, with netball as the enabler.
In motivating the aspiring players, Chawane strongly emphasised the importance of remaining focused.
“This is one of my favourite campaigns: to inspire youngsters to stand tall,” she said.
“Telling them about my journey is important because it shows them it is possible to make it in life under tough circumstances.
“They are not the only ones facing tough circumstances, raised by single parents, or having no resources to practice.
“The critical point of my story is that they should not let their circumstances stop them from chasing their dreams and rising above those circumstances.
“I am encouraging every one of them to chase the dream to become better persons, and with sport and education it is very possible,” said Chawane.
She also hosted a coaching clinic at the Caleb Motshabi Centre, where she trained 30 upcoming players of the school on how to master basic netball skills, enhance their physical abilities, and strengthen techniques and tactics for a successful game.
- Chawane has a BSc degree in Geography and Climatology. She lost her mother at the age of 14 years.
