By Theodorah Waga Mawasha
GA-SEKGOPO-Sports is often referred to as a great unifier and lauded for its ability to bring people together.
NwaHlengani Jane Mbombi (39), a provincial netball coach from Ga-sekgopo village, in Greater Letaba, reiterated this sentiment.
In a sit down with Tzaneen Voice, Mbombi emphasized that sports has opened many doors for her and subsequently put her in spaces where she connected with people from all walks of life.
“My netball journey like that of many other girls began as a hobby in primary school. It’s still my favorite sport to this day. When I started out, I did not realize that I will one day do what I love and get paid for it”, she said.
Mbombi has defied her geographical odds and keeps soaring to great heights. Armed with Diploma in Policing, Diploma in Sports Administration, Diploma in Forensic Investigation and NQF level 5 Certificate in Computer studies, she juggles a 9-5 job as an investigating officer for South African Police Service (SAPS), coaches under 19 team at the University of Witwatersrand and is also a senior coach for Johannesburg Netball Association.
“Golden Fireballs netball team afforded me an opportunity to win my first ever gold medal as a professional coach, we were crowned Champions of Telkom Netball League in June” she said
The coach emphasized that mosadi o tshwara thipa ka bogaleng, loosely translated, (a woman holds the sharp end of a knife), and said that she has been able to come this far because of the dedication and commitment to her craft.
She has won three gold medals in the space of a year at the 2021 Spar Woman’s Netball Championship, Telkom Netball League and at the 2022 Spar Woman’s Netball Championships.
“I am dedicated and disciplined. I acknowledge my failures and take accountability for my actions. I take after my mother. I became resilient as I watched her hold our family together after my father’s passing. Moreover, as a cancer survivor and activist, i am testament to the notion that, your setbacks and background does not define your future “, Mbombi continued.
“I am grateful to Netball South Africa. The association has paved the way for me and many women. My mentor Mrs Stiena Morland afforded me the opportunity to do what I love. Outstanding trailblazers like Mme Cecilia Molokwane who brought netball to the people also deserve recognition “, Mbombi said.
“In conclusion, in observation of women’s month, i encourage women to unshackle the patriarchal chains to realize their capabilities. Your upbringing does not determine your tomorrow”, she concluded.
