Limpopo Baobabs netball player Nthabiseng Mothutsi is looking forward to the 2022 edition of the Telkom Netball League which kicks off on Wednesday, 27 April.
Mothutsi is excited to get back onto the court as supporters also make their return to sporting venues across the country.
Born and raised in Limpopo, Mothutsi started playing netball for Young Fighters Netball Club.
In 2017, she returned to Seshego from Gauteng where she went for trials at Baobabs and since then has not looked back.
Her passion for the sport has also encouraged her to plough back to assist the next generation of netball stars.
Mothutsi’s greatest ambition is to pave the way and make venturing into netball easier for upcoming stars, so that they do not lack any development and are supported in every way.
Speaking with Tlamelo Kganakga, Mothutsi reveals her career highlights to date and drawing inspiration from Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane.
Nthabiseng, thank you for chatting to us. Please tell us more about yourself and where you are from.
I am 26 years old, born and raised in Limpopo, Polokwane. Recently went back to obtain my degree in sport management and leisure. I’m a go-getter and nothing stands in the way of what my heart wants. Fearless and free spirited to say the least.
When did you start playing netball?
I started playing netball at Young Fighters Netball Club, where I was developed into the player I am today.
How did you join Limpopo Baobabs?
I moved back home (Seshego) from Gauteng, went to trials in 2017 and never looked back since then.
What setback have you had in your career and what did you learn from it?
I had 2 knee injuries that needed surgery and caused me to stay off for 2 years. One thing I learned from that was patience, and accepting that something good was awaiting me the day I would make my comeback. I also learned that there are other ways for me to serve in the netball fraternity besides playing.
What are some of your career highlights to date?
Getting opportunities to touch lives in the name of sport is my all time high. I live to inspire and being a big sister to the kids back home will always be my highlight.
Taking you back to the 2021 Telkom Netball League. How was the experience and what has it done for your personal growth?
The experience was exactly how I imagined because my team and I worked very hard and went in there with intention and a goal in mind.
Personally, my strengths were sharpened, and I surprised myself way more than I could have ever imagined. That has boosted my confidence as a player and I know now more than ever that the lion in me has been awakened.
What do you think of the performance of the team after finishing in fourth position in Division Two?
I’m very proud of our performance. We came in focused, with the same mindset and that resulted in exceptional netball and a smooth journey. The only way is upwards from here, we went back and trained harder to ensure a final spot for the upcoming season.
What are the lessons you took from the league that you will implement in future competitions?
That the same combination won’t always win you a game. That going into semi finals and finals is a new competition on its own, what and how you played before that doesn’t count.
You won three Player of the Match awards, please tell us about your performances throughout the competition.
That was actually a goal I had for myself, on paper, to get 3 POTM accolades. It’s overwhelming but I know I deserve it, I worked hard and overtime for that moment. God’s grace was shining upon me throughout the competition.
Which sportswomen do you admire and why?
President Cecilia Molokwane. She makes things happen, cares about nothing but the players, is a God-fearing woman, and her confidence is loud… makes me want to never filter my own.
What is your greatest ambition?
My greatest ambition is to plough back into my province and be the change that I want to see. I believe I’m creating a path for things to be easier for the upcoming generation of stars, not to lack anything, to worry about nothing but playing and to ensure that they are supported in every way.
What are you looking forward to when the TNL competition begins on Wednesday, 27 April?
I’m looking forward to having spectators back in the arena and the vibe around the sport. I’ve missed it.
What do you think of gsport and its impact on women’s sport?
What a way to promote female athletes and women’s sport. It’s a good innovation and we are being presented well like the queens we are. Thank you so much!
What do you think we as media can do to continue amplifying women’s sport coverage?
We need the people to know about women’s sport and the only way for that to happen is if the media can be hands on and consistent with the material that’s being televised. Instead of repeating shows, get more stories and air them for people to know that we are active and need their support.
What are you looking forward to seeing when the 2023 Netball World Cup comes to Cape Town?
I’m looking forward to the united atmosphere and cheers in South Africa. I’m also looking forward to serving the sport, be it playing, broadcasting, or presenting.
Photo 1 Caption: Limpopo Baobabs netball player Nthabiseng Mothutsi is looking forward to the 2022 edition of the Telkom Netball League which kicks off on Wednesday, 27 April. Photo: Supplied
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