Limpopo Baobabs captain Nthabiseng Mothutsi took a brave decision to bare it all in the Big Brother Mzansi house, little did she know that that decision will follow her into her athletic life.
Mothutsi, who is leading her side to the semifinals of the Telkom Netball League, bears it all on the court as she did in the eyes of a million South Africans who lived for the third season of Big Brother Mzansi. Although it wasn’t in her plans, her participation in the show might drive and bring new eyes to the sport, especially with the Netball World Cup approaching in 2023.
“I would notice a lot on social media platforms, you would get that our page (Netball South Africa) posts and if I retweet, there’s more numbers and more interactions on my tweet than there are on Netball South Africa’s. So that says a lot because the people who were following me before and after Big Brother, they are now moving to Netball South Africa, and chances are they are the people that are coming to watch here (Heartfelt) Arena as well. For next year, we are looking for everyone to come and watch. It doesn’t matter whether you are young or old as long as those seats are filled up in the arena next year for the World Cup. Me (having) been on the Big Brother platform, I think it could be helping Netball South Africa as well,” says Mothutsi.
In the house, it is hard for one to hide who they really are and it was the same for the 27-year-old. The competition revealed the competitive and emotional player who is also seen on the netball court.
“Being in the Big Brother house was amazing. It’s something I would definitely do again. It has shaped me in a way that I am amazed. I wouldn’t say I have a different personality now but I am more structured. The attitude and the characteristics that I had as a person are now aligned. I understand people better now, I know when to react now. I am very calculative now,” she explains.
“I am a perfectionist for sure. When I am on the court, I am at work and I don’t play games. I am a very aggressive player as well. I am a very emotional player but I try to contain it. But usually, eight out of 10, when the game is not going our way, it’s going to show that I am frustrated because I am just passionate. Overall, I am a passionate player, I always want to do good and I always want to see my teammates shine. I always want to see my management and coaches happy,” she adds.
Her passion was apparent in Baobabs' match with the Western Cape Tornados in round eight of the Telkom Netball League. Mothutsi was sent off in the final quarter after picking up a caution in her defensive duties in the circle.
After finishing fourth in Division Two in last year’s campaign, the Emily Mathosa-led side wants to push it into the promotion/relegation team and that would mean getting the gold medal in this section.
“I want to see my team win. I want to see the confetti, I want to see the champagne pop. I want to see the cheque. I want to play the relegation match. That’s where I am rating and ranking my team. That’s how good I think we are and that’s how amazing I know, for sure, we can get there. We just need to maintain the performance that we are giving right now,” she says.
The Limpopo side will have to win their remaining four matches in the group stages of the tournament to confirm a place in the semifinals that will lead them to the title, which has been dominated by the Eastern Cape Aloes for several years. They have the KwaZulu Natal Kingdom Queens, Northern Cape Diamonds and the log defending champions, Aloes in their remaining clashes before the semis, which start on 17 June. First on the list is second-placed Sunbirds, who have been impressive this season.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Golden Fireballs will be looking to keep their winning streak in Division One. The Dr Elsje Jordaan-led side is yet to drop points in six matches and is sitting on top of the table with 12 points, two points ahead of rivals, the Gauteng Jaguars.
They will be hoping to do the double over them this season in their first match on Friday night. They will also face the third-placed Western Cape Southern Stings in their second match of the weekend. Meanwhile, the North West Flames will be hoping to get their first win of the season when they face the KwaZulu Natal Kingdom Stars and the Free State Crinums this weekend.
