A Nomzamo learner’s natural ability has taken her to the top of girls’ netball, but now financial circumstances are threatening her dream of touring in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Alwaba Mapasa participated in the four-day Rhodes Quality Netball Tournament at La Rochelle Girls’ High School in Paarl, which took place from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 April. The tournament featured first teams from across the South African School Netball A League going head-to-head.
The 17-year-old’s performance over the four days led to her being selected as one of 40 players for the Travel and Sport Invitational Sevens Netball Team.
The team will undertake a tour to Dubai later this year to compete in an international tournament.
“I didn’t know players were being selected to the team, but on the final day of the tournament it was announced,” Alwaba recalls.
The Grade 11 learner of Parel Vallei High School was part of the school’s first netball team, where she plays goal attack and goal shooter. She has been playing netball since age seven.
“I was not really into netball, but kept receiving compliments about my ability and how good I am,” the modest teen recalls.
Alwaba admits the game and the skills required came naturally to her and helped her find herself, with the netball court offering her an escape.
“Playing netball gives me confidence and I feel less insecure when I am on the court.”
If she is able to raise the funds Alwaba will be part of the tournament in Dubai from Wednesday 26 November until Thursday 4 December, where she will experience the culture and essence of the UAE while also participating in an international netball tournament.
“We haven’t yet been told what exactly we’ll be doing, but I know we are playing against some of the strongest teams in Dubai.”
Alwaba is excited at the opportunity and hopes the tour will help her improve her netball skills and gain new insights.
“The tour will allow me to get a different perspective on netball,” she says.
Her proud mother Yolanda was over the moon when she heard of her daughter’s selection for the tour, but also deeply concerned about how they would afford it.
“The tour costs R55 490, which includes travel insurance,” she points out.
To raise the money Yolanda is selling scones in her community in a fundraising drive to see her daughter’s talents take her abroad.
She is now turning to the Helderberg community for help, asking for donations to make her child’s dream come true.
“We are hoping everything will go according to our plan and Alwaba will be able to play in Dubai,” Yolanda saud.
The up-and-coming netball player believes the tour is only the beginning for her and hopes it would jumpstart her professional career.
“I really would like to see myself continue to improve and hopefully play professionally, so I never have to stop playing.”
If you would like to donate to Alwaba’s dream or would like more information, phone Yolanda on 074 449 2518.
