University of Johannesburg student Maritske Rautenbach is a rising star in the netball fraternity and has been inlcuded in South Africa’s squad that will take part at the Region V Games in Lilongwe,Malawi from 2-12 December.
The 19-year-old will be at the Games for a second consecutive time as she was part of last year’s gold medal winning team.
In Rautenbach’s words, she says it is an honour and a privilege to get opportunities to play for her country.
She also says that she believes that the development of a tournament like the Region V Games is of great value to be used in South Africa’s sporting community for the athletes, coaches and management.
Speaking with Rudene Hare, Rautenbach reveals the women she looks up to and the challenges she faces as an athlete.
Maritske, thank you for chatting to us here at gsport. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Maritske Rautenbach, I am from a town called Vereeninging in the Gauteng province. I am 19-years-old and I study at University of Johannesburg. I was previously at Laerskool Risiville in Vereeeniging and in Hoërskool Dr.Malan in Meyerton. I live on a smallholding where the wide spaces touches me.
You have been included in the South African Netball team that will be taking part at the 2022 Region V Games in Lilongwe, Malawi. What does it feel like to be in the squad, representing your country?
It is my second year in team SA where I will particpate for a second time in the Region 5 Games. It is such a honour and privilege to be able to play for my country. The experience we as players gain in a tournament like this is irreplacable, meeting players from other teams and other countries enriches us and gives us a bigger diversity to carry forward in our lives. The development a tournament like this creates for the athletes, coaches and management is of great value to be used in development of South Africa’s sporting community.
How do you balance going to school and competing as an athlete?
At times it feel overwhelming and daunting. It takes a lot of hard work, discipline and above all proper time management. Setting up a schedule is the only way, in my opinion, which can create a balance. Keeping to that schedule will ensure there is ample time for all aspects, added to that I am a firm believer that if you want something badly enough and you are willing to work for it, you can achieve it. I have to add personal time, from my faith that carriers me to people standing by my side, is crucial to me.
Which women do you admire and why?
Well, firstly I would have to say my netball coach and captain, Bongiwe Msomi. She is an absolute amazing netball player, coach and person over all. She inspires me everyday to become a better netball player.
Secondly, I would say my mother as I have never met a person so dedicated to give me such an amazing life and she supports me through every little thing. And, then lastly the person I look up to most is my future self. Every day I look at her and think to myself wow, look at how hard she worked to become where she is.
What are some of your proudest achievements in your career so far?
During my school years, I did a lot of sporting disciplines. Athletics was my main discipline for years and kept me fit for the netball. In 2011, I paticipated in the ASA National Championships in heptathlon where I was placed second to take the silver medal. Playing for Gauteng Netball Team at the South African championships was such an amazing honour where I believe my netball just reached different heights than before. Gaining a place at UJ in the High Performance team is amazing!
I played with amazing teams at USSA’s and in the Varsity Netball Tournament. To play on platforms like that gives players such good insights and experiences. The Region 5 Games in Lesotho last year playing in the SA team was also an unforgettable experience, especially when the team took the Gold medal for South Africa.
What are some of the challenges that you continue to experience?
I prefer not to see challenges but oppurtunities. Every challenge is an opportunity to create and evolve. All sporting disciplines in South Africa needs more support, support in terms of training. There needs to be more involvement from all walks of life in the develoment of the person that is the athlete, the coach and the management. Only by taking each others hands can that be achieved.
Telkom is playing a major role in netball with the Telkom Netball League and Telkom Netball Championship. What are your views on their impact in the sport?
Telkom is an invaluable part of netball in South Africa. Without the backing and sponsorship of this company netball would not have developed to the point where we as a country has developed into a world class contender. The platform of TNL and TNC helps with the identification of talent in players that can be developed to higher levels. Obviously these platforms are also used for the training and development of world class coaches and referees.
Lastly, what advice can you give other young girls who would like to get into this industry/sport?
Never ever give up. Fight and work hard to reach your dreams and achieve your goals. Nothing is imposible if the effort is put in. Lift others up with support and guidance along the way. By doing that you improve yourself and others, growing a community that will strengthen unity in our country.
Photo 1 Caption: UJ netballer Maritske Rautenbach to represent South Africa at the Region 5 Games in Malawi. Photo: Maritske Rautenbach (Supplied)
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