Phumza Maweni, a stalwart of the Spar Proteas team, has announced her retirement from professional netball, concluding a remarkable nine-year journey on the court.
Starting her professional netball career at the age of twenty-eight, Maweni’s career achievements include playing for the Southern Stings in the then Brutal Fruit Netball League (now Telkom Netball League), and representing esteemed international teams such as Loughborough Lightning, Severn Stars, Team Bath in the UK, and Australia’s Sunshine Coast Lightning.
“I have taken the time to reflect and think, and I am sad to announce that the time has come for me to gracefully exit the court, making space for the emerging stars awaiting their chance.”
Outgoing South African Netball Legend, Phumza Maweni
Returning to South Africa in 2022, Maweni joined and captained her home team, the Western Cape Southern Stings, during the 2023 Telkom Netball League.
Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane praised Maweni’s contributions, stating,
“Phumza has been a great asset to the Spar Proteas team and structure—a great player with exceptional netball talent and intelligence.”
Netball South Africa President, Cecilia Molokwane
“With the knowledge and experience she has acquired over the years, I think it will be wrong for us as a federation to let all of this go to waste,” said Molokwane. “We need to start thinking about how we retain this knowledge and experience.”
Maweni made her Proteas debut in 2014 against Scotland, participated in three Netball World Cups, and earned 121 caps before her retirement, with her final match against England in December 2023.
“The past years have exceeded all expectations, transforming into a journey of a lifetime,” said Maweni. “This sport has shaped me into a confident and powerful woman, far beyond what I could have envisioned. I cherish and acknowledge every aspect of this experience,” concluded Maweni.
Phumza Maweni’s retirement signifies the conclusion of a distinguished career, leaving a lasting impact on South African netball. Her legacy continues to inspire both present and future players in the sport.
Off court, Maweni plays her part to blood the next generation of stars through her outstanding work at the Phumza Maweni Foundation.
Photo Caption: Netball icon Phumza Maweni bids farewell to an incredible nine-year journey with the Spar Proteas. A legend on the court, her retirement marks the end of an era in South African netball. In this file photo, Phumza Maweni is pictured in action against Sri Lanka, during the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town. Photo: StanderPhotography/ Carel Stander
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