Shooting powerhouse, Lenize Potgieter, will not join the SPAR Proteas squad for the first time in seven years, and will miss the upcoming netball series in Ireland with the South African squad to focus on her mental health.
The 27-year-old took to Instagram on Monday, 11 October 2021, to share her struggles after returning from the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball League in Australia.
“My life took a turn for the worst, and I’ve been left shocked and broken-hearted, resulting in panic attacks and nervous breakdowns,” said Potgieter.
“For weeks I haven’t been able to eat, nor train, nor go to bed without crying and my mum sleeping next to me… I lost 7kg in 5 days.”
In her post, Potgieter said that she was not up to par ahead of the Proteas training camp, and that her headspace had been the worst it has ever been.
“Before boarding the plane, I was standing in front of the boarding gate on the phone to my mum, crying, telling her I do not feel okay, but eventually arrived in Stellenbosch.
“Later that afternoon my medical screening had to be done by our team doctor, who diagnosed me with major depressive disorder,” she added.
Potgieter said that it was no surprise to her, and that the decision was made that she would stay behind and work with necessary personnel to get back on track.
South Africa is set to take on Ireland’s Emeralds on the 16th and 17th of October and will then move to North Ireland to take on Wales and Scotland later this month.
Click here to read gsport’s Preview of the SPAR Proteas’ European Tour
Photo 1 Caption: Shooting powerhouse, Lenize Potgieter, will not join the SPAR Proteas squad for the first time in seven years and will miss the upcoming netball series in Ireland with the South African squad to focus on her mental health. Photo: Lenize Potgieter (Facebook)
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