Zanele Vimbela has called time to her colourful netball career. The former Spar Proteas wing and goal defender has represented South Africa 56 times across several competitions. She also has a number of titles under her belt over the years to highlight her astounding career.
I will forever be grateful as a player to the game of netball and the respect it's given me, I just hope I've left it in a better way than when I first stepped on court.#Hebrews11:1
— Z (@Zan_Vimbela) April 28, 2025
Signing out ✌🏾 pic.twitter.com/6vVhJiuo93
Vimbela first donned the green and gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
South Africa finished sixth under the leadership of Elize Kotze in the competition after losing to the Queens of Malawi in the placement match.
The final Team South Africa squad was announced through the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) and 25-year-old Vimbela was delighted when she saw her name on the team list.
“That was a big deal. I think I was still in varsity at the time. It was nerve-wracking. My debut was against Barbados at wing defence. That was quite great, the nerves got me a little bit but once I settled in I was able to perform the way I was meant to perform,” remembers Vimbela.
Although netball was in her veins early in her life, she had never dreamt that the sport would take her around the globe to take on the best players in netball.
Vimbela says once she saw what kind of talent she possessed, she wanted to taste the highest level of the sport.
“One that I never dreamt of but I definitely set my goals to, once I figured out what I was capable of. Pretty colourful, there were so many unexpected things that happened in my career. I would probably say I have done a lot for the sport, all the training and what you go through and you spend so much time being away from home.
“But it has also given me a lot of opportunities. I got my scholarship through it when I started at varsity (Nelson Mandela University, formerly Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University). I have obviously traveled abroad, it has taken me to a number of places playing in international competitions and also playing in the UK league (Netball Super League). Learning more about different people, personalities, and cultures and creating friendships.
“The mental and physical discipline and focus that it has given me. Having that winning mentality and performing in front of huge crowds. I am forever grateful for that,” she says.
“I never really expected to play in the UK league. When you get the chance to represent your country, you never think about what would happen after that. During my first contract with Team Bath, I never thought I would get to live in another country. That is one of the things that I never expected I would do. That opened me to things that I got to learn over the years,” she says.
CHERISHED MEMORIES
Some of her cherished memories came from the court and she says these highlights opened her eyes to new possibilities.
“Being part of the World Cup team in 2019 is one of the biggest highlights for me. That meant a lot. The privilege of being coached by some of the best in the world, Norma Plummer, Nicole Cusack, and Lana Krige, in my university years as well. It has led to where I was capable of being.
“I have also learnt a lot from Mampho Tsotetsi, she is my coach and my mentor as well. I also learnt a bit from Karen Atkinson, even though it was such a short time, she had a great impact on me, off the court during my tenure with Strathclyde Sirens. I took a lot from that.
“Other highlights include winning the Africa Cup, the Diamond Challenge, and the UK league with Loughborough Lightning in 2023. That is something that meant a lot to get with the team, winning the league was amazing,” she says.
A LASTING LEGACY
However, her journey with netball doesn’t end here.
Vimbela had already begun her coaching career while still being an active player, in the colours of the Jaguars during the 2024 Telkom Netball League Season.
The 36-year-old says she hopes to leave a lasting legacy through coaching the next generation of netball players in South Africa.
“I coach at TotalNet Club, we are based in Alberton but are branching out to other regions as well. We are trying to grow that into something successful for people who want to be coached by quality coaches, people who have played at the highest level. I am also involved with school coaching a bit with Reddam House Bedfordview.
“It’s been a pretty interesting journey so far but I have gotten used to being on the other end. I want to inspire the next generation through coaching. I would like to build that crop of players into the next great players who can represent the Proteas in the future. That junior pathway is quite important, that's the legacy I would like to leave and make an impact with the young ones,” she says.
Zanele Vimbela, a true defensive powerhouse in South African netball, has officially called time on an extraordinary career. 💚🇿🇦
— Netball (@Nettydigest) April 28, 2025
A story of courage, faith, and excellence Zanele Vimbela, we honour you.
Read our full tribute to Zanele on our latest Insta post 👇:#netballchaos pic.twitter.com/rkFjaKBrhp