Cofimvaba-born netball player Ongezwa Yikana (16) has been selected to represent the Eastern Cape at the All Ages Tournament in Boksburg, Gauteng from June 23 to 30.
This tournament takes place on an annual basis and assists in promoting netball as the fastest growing women’s sport in South Africa.
The Eastern Cape will be represented by 14 netball teams of ten players in each age group from 12 years to 18 years.
Each of the participants will benefit immensely by competing in netball at national level. They will be able to develop their interpersonal as well as netball skills with this exposure. In addition, for many of the players, it is the first opportunity they have to travel and expand their horizons.
This is most certainly an opportunity that very few underprivileged and disadvantaged children have previously been exposed to.
Due to the lack of funding of the Eastern Cape Schools Netball Association, it is the responsibility of each player and their parents to raise the funds needed for their child to participate in the tournament. The estimated 2023 tour costs for each child is R9 500.
Yikana, who is a grade 12 learner from Ngqwaru Village, is a passionate sportswoman who also enjoys soccer and plays for her school Zwelandile SSS.
Ongezwa’s mother Zingisa Yikana pleaded with people of the Eastern Cape to help her sports star achieve her dream of playing netball at the highest level in front of top netball coaches.
“We would really appreciate any assistance from people in the Eastern Cape province that can help my child fulfil her dream of playing netball at the highest level. Sport is Ongezwa’s first love, and we support her as a family but financially it is difficult,” she said.
For more information contact Zingisa Yikana on 071 703 9081.
