With the success that Netball had in 2023, there are big hopes for the game to be taken to new heights and Monica Gomases feels that this is where good sponsorship has helped her sport in every way. The Namibia-born netball player has seen the benefits of having a brand like Telkom backing the sport, which has seen immense growth not just for the sport but also for its players.
Gomases got her opportunity to play netball in South Africa when she started studying at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). She then went on to play in the Telkom Netball League (TNL) in 2022 and 2023. She was also privileged enough to be coached by none other than superstar Bongi Msomi at UJ and according to Gomases, having a mentor like her has had an unbelievable impact, not only on her as a player, but also as a person.
The Namibian player sat down with gsport to share a little bit about herself, and told us what her hopes and dreams are for 2024 as she looks to be at the top of her game, while still making sure she is also excelling in her studies.
Monica, you took South Africa by storm in last year’s Telkom Netball League. What was the key to your success on court?
I think everything I display on court goes with hard work, and preparing myself to be able to back that on court. Also, gelling with my team mates and just being able to execute the game plan the coach gives me. Self-belief is also key, as well as being fearless when you go on court.
You are from Namibia. How did you get an opportunity to play netball in South Africa?
I got an opportunity to study at the University of Johannesburg, and when I was there I trialled for the Telkom Netball League in 2021, and I was chosen for the Gauteng Jaguars in 2022. In 2023 I played for the Gauteng Golden Fireballs.
You had netball and Proteas stalwart Bongi Msomi as your coach at UJ, how has she impacted your career?
Coach Bongi is really just an amazing person to work with, on- and off the court.
She is such an inspiration and she is just a humble person who makes you believe that you can achieve anything. She definitely made me feel like the sky was the limit!
Gauteng Golden Fireballs Netballer, Monica Gomases
She goes the extra mile for her players, as a coach and as a team mate. She ticked a few of my boxes just meeting her and being around her, and I am just grateful that I get to know her.
There is talk of a professional netball league, what will mean to be part of something like, especially being from Southern Africa?
It would be so amazing! I really think as Africans we have so much talent, we are ready to step into an environment like that. It would grow the sport and it would aid us to be greater in the future.
It will mean that a lot of players will be able to get more contracts overseas, as the local league will also improve the level on netball in Southern Africa, and that will be a win for the players and the sport. Netball South Africa will also grow with everything that they do in this regard.
How do you feel sponsors like Telkom have improved netball and taken the sport to where it needs to be?
Nothing can happen without good sponsors behind you, and the initiative Telkom took to sponsor netball has really been a great experience.
They have changed the lives of so many girls who played on a wooden court to feel the professional environment when we play in the Telkom Netball League.
Telkom has really had a massive input and impact on netball in South Africa, and I hope they will continue to sponsor this because it really changes the lives of so many in a positive way.
Who are your personal sponsors and those that support you in your netball career?
I have so many people that look after me and just go the extra mile for me, I don’t want to name names because I am scared I may leave someone out but I am blessed and highly favoured in a lot of things. My family always stands behind me and I have great relationships with a lot of my coaches and I am just grateful for them. They always try to help me whenever I fall short in anything, and I look at them as more than just coaches but my life mentors as well.
What goals have you set for yourself in 2024?
I want to be a great in my academics this year, I want to give a lot of attention to my studies, and get good results. I am also working to be part of my national team as well. I want to play in the Telkom Netball League again, give it my all, and see where I can grow more as a player and push myself more regarding my fitness and performance.
I want to be great at everything I do, every time I do it.
I want to focus on laying a good foundation for me so that I can reach my goals because I want take my netball to the next stage, I don’t want it to end just here.
What is your advice to rising netball players who dream to make it big?
My advice to them would be is that anything is possible in everything, and once you know that, you can achieve anything, but remember it takes a lot of hard work achieve it! I would advise them to surround themselves with people who have the same goals and visions as themselves. Put your academics first, and to follow that with your netball, because you can’t have one without the other. Just be fearless in everything you do, and be able to back that up with hard work.
What do you when you are not playing netball?
When I am not playing netball, I am with my family, and I love cooking, I cook everyday.
I love to do make-up for other people, I am a make-up artist, it’s one of my hobbies that I give a little bit of my time to when I have free time.
I also like dressing up and looking cute, spending time with family and friends.
What is your greatest ambition?
My greatest ambition would be to play in the Suncorp Super Netball League in Australia, I think if I can do that, it would be amazing as it’s always been something that I have wanted to do since I was a kid. My other dream is to play in a Netball World Cup for my country.
Photo caption: With the success that Netball had in the 2023, there are big hopes for the game to taken to new heights and Monica Gomases feels that this is where good sponsorship has helped her sport in every way. The Namibia-born netball player has seen the benefits of having a brand like Telkom backing the sport, which has seen immense growth not just for the sport but also for its players. All Photos: Supplied
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