Netball players from the Kayamandi and Nomzamo High Schools in the Western Cape benefited from a newly forged partnership between leading sport apparel brand Puma and Multichoice to develop the sport at grassroots level.
The aspiring young players who are preparing to compete in the Ubuntu section at this year’s DStv Under-19 Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC) national finals on Saturday gathered in the indoor sport centre of the Kayamandi High School, in the heart of the Kayamandi informal settlement.
Leading the coaching sessions was the Puma brand ambassador and national captain Khanyisa Chawane, who is back in the country after recently completing her second stint with the Cardiff Dragons in the National Super League in Great Britain.
Chawane shared her knowledge with the players through various skill enhancement movements and drills to improve their passing, defensive exercises and decision-making.
“It’s phenomenal to share my experience. My understanding is this is the start of several such coaching initiatives. I’m loving every moment of it to plough back. The girls are also very engaging and great to share my knowledge and to give an insight to what it really takes to become a top-player,” said Chawane.
Not only did the players revel in the exercises but also the respective coaches who were put through their paces and interacted with Chawane.
Yolani Furunek, coach and Agricultural Science teacher at the Kayamandi High School said she was honoured and proud that Chawane visited her school to share her knowledge. Her team will make their debut at this year’s national tournament.
“As a coach it’s a heartening experience for me to be in the midst of our national coach who shared her experience with us. I want to thank the sponsors for making the effort to come to our school right in our neighbourhood to coach our teams,” said Furunek.
Sandile Luthuli, MultiChoice CSI manager said the partnership with Puma marks a significant development in the tournament’s growth.
“We are always on the lookout for partners and partnering with Puma allows us to expand the development of girl’s sport to rural and urban areas such as Kayamandi who lack resources.
"Also, it gives the young players the exposure and access to a national player such as Chawane. Therefore, with Puma’s partnership we have a good opportunity to develop the sport at grassroots level,” said Luthuli.