It is a dance of swift feet and balls travelling in soaring arcs. It is a tapestry of teamwork, sewn together by threads of unrelenting attacks and staunch defence. Netball is a sport like no other, and one the North-West University (NWU) has mastered.

This was again evident from the selection of a host of NWU players for the national netball squads. First up we have Sanmarie Visser, Sunel Smit, Favour Umeh and Jade Egwatu. This stellar quartet was selected for the South African under 21 squad, which will compete in the Youth Africa qualifier in March in order to be eligible for the World Youth Championships in Gibraltar in 2025.

Then there is Vivian Venancio and Jade Egwatu, who were also selected for the South African youth team.

Finally, MartinéJordaan is currently part of the extended SPAR Protea training squad.

“All that I can say about the NWU’s netball girls is that attitude is everything. They are an unbelievable group. Together, we are more than just a team, we are a club comprising coaches, sports scientists and our support base who achieve amazing things. As an example, the under 21 group is a culmination of all these factors working together. If you look at our team of coaches, I believe a coach’s worth is not found in their record for winning or losing, or in their résumé, but in the impact they have on their players’ lives. That is what we have. If I have one message to all our netball players, it is this: ‘Remember why you started this journey, remember what you are doing it for and enjoy it’,” said Helene Botha, sports manager for netball, tennis and aquatics on the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus.