DR KK DISTRICT LAUNCHES NETBALL FRIDAY

DR KK DISTRICT LAUNCHES NETBALL FRIDAY

By Vusi Kama

MEETING OF MINDS: MEC Tlhapi and Netball SA President Cecilia Molokwane sharing ideas during the launch of Netball Friday in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. 

The beginning of the Netball Friday launch series in the North West got off to a scorching start in Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp last Friday, with the provincial netball team, the NW Flames, leading the proceedings on the field of play.

The events in the two towns marked the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District launch of the Provincial events, with Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District taking the baton on Friday April 29. Ngaka Modiri Molema and Bojanala will follow at dates to be announced.

Netball Friday North West is part of the nation-wide support for the Proteas Netball side and popularizing the Netball World Cup that South Africa will host in Cape Town mid-2023. SA will be the first on the continent to host the international sporting spectacle.

To create visibility and top-of-mind awareness of the Netball World Cup, people around the country are encouraged to wear their Netball Friday t-shirts every Friday, till the end of the World Cup next year. “Beke le Beke”.

During the events in the two Dr Kaunda District towns, the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (Acsr), Mme Galebekwe Tlhapi, and the President of Netball South Africa, Mme Cecilia Molokwane, distributed Netball Friday t-shirts to the crowds that attended the events. 

The Netball Friday launch series is a partnership between Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (Acsr), North West Netball and the North West Provincial Sports Confederation.

Last Friday’s event started in Potchefstroom, where 16 netball players were awarded their Provincial colours – giving them licence to represent the NW Flames at national competitions.

The convoy then proceeded to Ikageng Netball court in the nearby township where members of the NW Flames displayed their skills, to an appreciative crowd. From Ikageng, the next stop was the Brazil sports grounds in Jouberton, Klerksdorp. 

At both events, the crowds braved intermittent rains, and yet kept the spirit of netball alive.

During the launches, Mme Tlhapi committed her Department to supporting initiatives that boost the North West Flames, netball in the Province and the Netball World Cup.

Mme Molokwane urged communities to rally behind the Flames and the Netball Proteas.

“However, we are mindful of the fact that the netball community (players and officials) should be the ones leading the way in showing support for the Proteas and the Netball World Cup,’’ said Mme Molokwane.

One of the players who took part in the demonstration games during the Netball Friday launch, Neo Mbamba from Bojanala, said she was “excited by the Fridays initiative’’ and that the Netball Fridays should be celebrated throughout the Province.

“It’s the first of its kind for netball,’’ said the shooter. “This will definitely go a long way in growing the game not only in the Province but country-wide as well.’’