A Hoërskool Transvalia learner has been selected to represent South Africa in the Indoor Netball World Cup scheduled to take place in New Zealand in July.

Duduzile Malindi (17) was chosen to be part of the under-17 provincial team on Saturday (20/4) for the Gauteng Netball teams of 2024.

“I started playing netball when I was five years old and played for my province for the first time when I was 12. Netball is my passion, it has always been a dream of mine to represent South Africa in a World Cup,” said the Vanderbijlpark pupil.

Malindi says netball is her passion. Picture supplied

“When I was 12 years old and was first selected to play for Gauteng, I saw that you can represent the country in the World Cup at the age of 16. From that day forward I have been working hard to make my dream come true.”

In November, Malindi won the School Sports Athlete of the Year award at the 4th Gauteng Women in Sports Awards in Sedibeng. The awards aim to recognise and reward girls and women for outstanding performance in their respective sporting fields.

The 17-year-old plays for the Outdoor Tough Eagles under-19 netball team. She also plays for the first team at Hoërskool Transvalia, and under-16 Vaal Indoor Vixen Vikings. Malindi plays as a centre, goal shooter, goal attack, goalkeeper, and goal defense.

The 17-year-old shooting a goal for her team at Hoërskool Transvalia. Picture supplied. 

“To make my dream of competing in this international competition true, I need to raise R70 000 for the trip to New Zealand. With my mom being a single parent it hasn’t been easy to advance in the sport.”

“To be able to participate in this event the teams and players will need financial assistance, as the cost of such a tournament comes to a considerable amount,” said SA Indoor Netball Federation tour manager and secretary Danielle Busschau.

“The sport is purely player-funded and relies heavily on individual sponsors to supplement the heavy costs of international travel.”

Malindi won the School Sports Athlete of the Year award last year. Picture supplied

Vaalweekblad reports Malindi has pleaded with people, businesses, and companies to help her raise the amount to make her dreams come true.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh