By day, Jane NwaHlengani Mbombi is an Investigating Officer with the South African Police Services, and away from her official duties, she gets to play a leading a role in developing netball at various levels, as she willingly wears many hats to make a difference.
Among her many roles, including coach and statistician, Mbombi is also the Vice Chairperson of the Johannesburg Netball Association. She believes it is important for women to take on leadership roles because they are capable.
Mbombi, who hails from Ga Sekgopo in Limpopo believes the 2023 Netball World Cup will leave a legacy that will go on for decades and she wants to play her part by developing coaches and doing what she can to boost the development of the sport.
She singles out the ability to adapt to changes as one of the hallmarks of a great leader.
Speaking with Tlamelo Kganakga, Mbombi reflect on her journey and talks about her hopes for her coaching career.
Jane, thank you for chatting to us. Please introduce yourself?
I am Jane NwaHlengani Mbombi and I am an Investigating officer and from the beautiful Village of Ga Sekgopo, Limpopo.
When and where did you love for sports begin?
At Primary School. We had Athletics, Soccer and Netball at school and I always went to training just to watch. One day when there was Circuit Primary Schools competition at our village, it happened that one player from my School could not make it and my then school Netball Teacher/Coach gave me that one opportunity to fill in and it was my first time and I never looked back and that’s how my love for netball started.
What’s the one thing you would change in sport if you could?
Making every sporting code professional that one earns a salary.
What is the greatest challenge we currently face with the sports leadership?
Discrimination against Women in leadership positions in Sports.
You are the Vice Chairperson of Johannesburg Netball Association and SAPS. Please tell us more about your position?
I serve at Johannesburg Netball Federation as a Vice Chairperson. I am SAPS GAUTENG Netball Convenor of Coaches & Development at Johannesburg Region F Interim Executive Committee as A Committee Mentor. I am Wits University U19 Netball Coach, SAPS (GP) Head Coach, one of JNA’s Elite Coaches, GP Fireballs Statistician 2020 & 2021(TNL). 2022 GP Classic Clash Sparks Coach.
What does it mean and what does it take to be a great leader?
To be trusted and hold hope to change. It takes passion for sports, respect, discipline. To listen and the ability to adapt to daily changes and be a great leader.
What’s your take on women taking senior positions and why is it important to take them especially in sports?
We need more women leadership in sports. As Mbokodo, we are enough and capable to hold office on senior positions.
What has been some of your highlights in your career?
My coaching journey. When I was playing for SAPS, I had a thought that one day I will like to coach SAPS GP team. I approached my then coach Mrs Stiena Morland who mentored me into coaching while I was still a player to date. She has retired from SAPS but her door is still open for me whenever I need support and advice.
I’m still coaching SAPS GP team. I coached JNA U19 A, U21B, Snr B, JNA Males and Wits U19 to date. In 2020 and 2021, I was the GP Fireballs Statistician at TNL and 2022 GP Classic Clash( GP Sparks). 2022 GP Fireballs Ass Coach.
Who are some of the sports women you admire and why?
Stiena Morland, SAPS Former Netball Coach. She saw me beyond been a netball player but coached and encouraged me to surpass her achievements.
What’s your greatest ambition?
To become a Coaches Developer and to give time and support in Sports Development and Training.
2023 Netball World Cup is coming to SA. How excited are you about it and what does it mean for SA?
Extremely excited and looking forward to most interesting time. Africa is uniting through netball and it inspires us to do more in sports. 2023 Netball World Cup will leave a legacy that lives for decades and beyond.
What do you think we as media can do to amplify women’s sports?
Commitment to consistent coverage.
What is it that people don’t know about you?
That I am a cancer survivor.
What’s your message to aspiring players who one day want to take leadership roles in sports?
Believe and trust your inner voice for it guides you to greater tomorrow.
Photo 1 Caption: By day, Jane NwaHlengani Mbombi is an Investigating Officer with the South African Police Services, and away from her official duties, she gets to play a leading a role in developing netball at various levels, as she willingly wears many hats to make a difference. Photo: Supplied
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