University of Witwatersrand student, Langa Nindie, is looking forward to representing South Africa in Nottingham, England, as part of the U24 Wild Dog (Ultimate Frisbee) team.
At present, Nindie is hoping that by the time she travels to compete, she will have the financial backing due to the expenses of the trip, which she is fundraising until July.
Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Nindie’s love and passion for sport was instilled at a young age, as she says her family have had a positive influence on her life.
Apart from competing, Nindie hopes to use her skills in sport and law studies to advance equality and equal access to all possibilities for underprivileged and marginalized communities.
Speaking with Tlamelo Kganakga, Nindie chats more about her journey and explains Ultimate Frisbee sport.
Langa, thank you for chatting to us. Please tell us about yourself and where you are from.
My name is Langa Nindie. I am twenty-two years old, I am a Christian, a third culture kid and I come from a multicultural background, having been born in Harare, Zimbabwe, where I was raised during my formative years. My family then moved to Shanghai, China, where I completed my high school education. As a student in an international school, my schooling experience was immersed in a global culture because all students were from different countries and continents like myself. I am currently doing my LLB at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Growing up in different countries has allowed me to experience diverse cultures and perspectives, which I consider a valuable aspect of my identity. My parents have been an integral part of my love for sports and my life in general. I am the youngest of three siblings and have two older brothers, who have been a great influence on me and my development as an individual. Overall, my background and experiences has shaped me into the person I am today, of which I am grateful for.
When and where did your love for sport begin?
I have been playing sports for as long as I can remember. However, my love for sports began when I was in primary school. Sports was always a safe space for me, a place where I felt truly free. It provided an avenue for me to develop a character and leadership skills. I enjoyed playing various sports such as track and field, filed hockey, basketball, etc. In high school, I was a five time national-level track and field athlete, which was a highlight of my athletic career at the time.
Please tell us what is Ultimate Frisbee?
Ultimate frisbee is a non-contact seven-aside sport played with a disc. The objective of the game is to score points by catching the disc in the opposing team’s end-zone. It is a fast-paced sport that requires speed, agility, endurance and strategic thinking. The sport is unique in that it is self-refereed; meaning that players are responsible for calling their own fouls and settling disputes on the field through communication and respect for each other. Ultimate also values gender equity, with mixed-gender teams being the norm in many tournaments and leagues.
You will get the opportunity of representing SA in England. How did that come about and what are you looking forward to?
I went to two sets of trials for the national team and was one of the players that were selected to be on the final roster. The experience of trying out for the national team was intense and required a lot of physical and mental preparation. Being selected for the team was a testament to the hard work and dedication that I have put into the sport. I am looking forward to the challenge of playing against some of the best ultimate frisbee players in the world. I am also excited to represent South Africa internationally and showcase the talent and potential of ultimate frisbee players in this country. Additionally, I am eager to learn from and connect with other players from different countries and cultures, as I believe that sports can bring people together and create meaningful connections.
How do you plan on going on the trip? Do you have financial backing?
As of now, I do not have financial backing for the trip. The cost of the trip is significant and I am exploring various options to fundraise and cover the expenses. One option that I am exploring is crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe, which can help me reach a wider audience and raise the necessary funds. I am also open to exploring sponsorships and other fundraising opportunities that can help me achieve my goal of representing South Africa in England.
What are some of the challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my ultimate frisbee career was trying out for the national team with a hamstring injury. I could barely run, but I was determined to show the extent to which I was and still am dedicated to the sport. It was a difficult experience because I knew that I was not at my physical best, but I did not want to let my injury hold me back. I persevered through the pain and used my mental strength and resilience to push through the trials. It was a reminder to me that sports, like life, require mental toughness and grit.
What are your career highlights?
One of my most significant career highlights in ultimate frisbee was being selected to represent South Africa on the U24 Wild Dogs team. It was an immense honour to be among the few selected from a pool of talented athletes. This experience taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and dedication. It also opened doors for more opportunities and has given me the confidence to pursue higher levels of play. Being part of a national team is a tremendous accomplishment that I am proud of.
How do you manage your time between sport and academics?
Finding a balance between sports and academics is a challenging task. Balancing the two requires discipline and sacrifice. I learned to prioritise my time, create schedules, and remain focused on both areas of my life. I aim to make the most of my time by studying during my downtime, attending lectures regularly, and trying to submit assignments ahead of deadlines. Participating in sports keeps me motivated and focused, and it also helps me deal with stress which in turn makes me a better student.
Who are some of the sportswomen you admire and why?
Some of the sportswomen I admire are first, Serena Williams; not only because of her achievements on the court but also because of her grit and determination. She has overcome numerous challenges in her career and has remained resilient despite the setbacks. She is a reminder that success comes from hard work and perseverance. Secondly, I admire Lindsey Vonn for her bravery and her ability to embrace danger as skiing can be a perilous sport. Thirdly, I admire Danica Patrick for her unorthodox courage to enter a male-dominated sport and not just pave the way for women, but also perform at the same level as men. Fourthly, I admire Claressa Shields for her ability to keep pushing her limits and to seek new challenges when comfortability creeps in.
What is your hope for women’s sport going forward?
My hope for women’s sports is that it reaches the same level of competitiveness and visibility as men’s sports. Women deserve equal recognition and opportunities, and it is essential that we continue to push for progress. My ultimate goal is to see more women in leadership positions in sports and for women’s sports to be treated equally in media coverage and funding.
What is it that people don’t know about you?
I love cartoons and art is something that brings me joy because it gives one unbridled creative freedom to express oneself. I love to draw and explore new mediums in my free time.
What do you do for fun?
I am a foodie at heart. I love to explore new restaurants and experience different cultures through their respective cuisines. I found that it was a great way for me to unwind and de-stress after a long day of work or training. Food has always been a source of enjoyment and comfort for me. Apart from being a foodie, I am a massive adrenaline junkie. I live for the rush and excitement of certain activities like go-carting, surfing, sky-diving, etc.
What’s your greatest career ambition?
As a law student, my greatest career ambition is to use my legal education and sports background to promote equity and access to all opportunities for underprivileged and marginalised communities. I believe that we as people have a duty to connect with one another and to empower each other to reach our full potential. It is essential that everyone has the opportunity to participate and excel in whatever they aspire to, regardless of their background.
What’s your advice women who aspire to be in sport?
My advice to aspiring women in sports is to believe in themselves, trust the process and push past the self-doubt because that is where the greatest version of themselves lies. The road to success is rarely smooth, but perseverance, dedication and love for your sport will help you overcome any obstacle. It is also essential to surround yourself with supportive people who will uplift, encourage and believe in you especially in the times when you doubt yourself. Finally, it’s important to remember that success does not happen overnight, it is simply the accumulation of small achievements.
Photo 1 Caption: University of Witwatersrand student, Langa Nindie will have the opportunity to represent South Africa in England as part of the Ultimate Frisbee team. Photo: Supplied
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