Two Heathfield High School learners are proving that dedication, hard work and perseverance can open doors to provincial success after earning selection to represent the Western Cape in volleyball.

Grade 11 learners, Tuvia Manuel and Blanche Matthews, have both been recognised for their talent and commitment to the sport, with Matthews also earning selection for multiple representative teams.

According to Heathfield High School principal Nadia Aanhuizen, the learners’ achievements reflect the growth of volleyball at the school and the strong support structures available to aspiring athletes.

“Selection for these teams comes down to skill level, composure during trials and matches, athletic ability and overall performance,” said Aanhuizen.

Sport journey

She highlighted Matthews’ rapid rise in the sport, noting that she only began playing volleyball in January last year.

“Blanche is extremely athletic and plays as a middle blocker. Her height gives her a significant advantage at the net,” she said.

Matthews has been selected for both the Federation u19 tournament and the Cape Metro Schools Association u17 team, where she will represent the Western Cape.

Aanhuizen said Heathfield’s volleyball players benefit from extensive opportunities beyond the school environment.

“All of our players also compete for clubs outside of school. Some play in the Premier League, which is a very high standard of volleyball,” she explained.

Balancing sport and school

“There is a lot of exposure available to these players. They train alongside experienced athletes and have opportunities to learn from some of the top volleyball players in the region.

“For Tuvia, volleyball is a family passion. He was introduced to the sport by his father and sister after attending matches at the University of Cape Town in 2022.

“Volleyball definitely runs in my family,” he said. “My father played at club level and my sister was selected for a KwaZulu-Natal u19 development squad.”

Tuvia currently plays for the Christel House South Africa (CHSA) men’s team in the Premier Division and represents both his club and Heathfield High School.

Originally a setter, he has developed into a versatile all-round player capable of contributing in multiple positions.

Having represented the province before, Tuvia was confident about his chances of making the u17 team again.

“My preparation has become more intense. I’m no longer one of the younger players and have to take on more responsibility as a leader,” he said.

Balancing academics and sport is not always easy. Tuvia often trains several times a week and only starts his homework late at night.

Advice

Despite the challenges, he encourages others to get involved in volleyball. “Whether you’re experienced or not, it’s always worth trying. You never know how much you’ll enjoy it until you get involved,” he said.

Blanche’s journey is equally inspiring. Before last year, she knew very little about volleyball and joined simply because a friend suggested they try the sport together.

“The beginning was difficult because many of the players already had experience,” she recalled.

“At one stage, I wanted to quit because I felt overwhelmed.”

Instead, she persevered and worked towards her goal.

“When I found out I had been selected, I felt proud because I had achieved something I had worked very hard for,” she said. Her advice to aspiring players is simple: “Don’t give up.”

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