NetballSA owes me nothing 😊

A week of recharge, lots of Netball and so much fun.

Finding Joy Where You Least Expect It

Last week, I found myself in Johannesburg - one of those places I don’t often count as a favourite. But you know what? It has some of my favourite people. I got to spend quality time with my sister and my niece, laughing over the little things, and even caught up with one of my best friends from university days. Those moments reminded me of something important: just because a place isn’t “for you” doesn’t mean you can’t still have good moments there. I felt challenged by that thought, but grateful too.

A Dream Come True: Watching the Spar Proteas

Of course, the main reason I went up to Joburg was to watch the Spar Proteas in the Spar Challenge International Test Series - a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to see my girls play live, and let me tell you, I was treated to some incredible netball. I’ve never seen the Proteas play so in sync, so confident. It was a joy to watch.

If you know me, you know I love sports. My top three? Soccer, rugby, and netball. While I enjoy watching all of them, netball holds a special place in my heart. I played in high school - not that I was amazing - but those core memories stuck with me. That love has grown over time and led me to become a Level 1 netball coach. Yes, that’s right - I can coach a national league team 😏. From player to coach, every stage of this journey has been rewarding, and being able to watch my girls in action last week felt like a blessing - a reminder that sometimes joy comes in the simplest of moments.

Rest, Recharge, and Trusting God’s Timing

This season, I feel God asking me to rest and recharge. Now, if you know me, rest isn’t exactly my specialty. I’m goal-oriented; I thrive on striving, on moving forward. Not having a specific target has been a little frustrating, I won’t lie. But God is patient, teaching me to lean in rather than push forward blindly. It reminds me of Saul - on his own mission - until God stepped in and flipped his story 180 degrees. I’m learning to trust that process.

The Games: Exhilaration and Pride

The week itself was chill, restorative, and filled with moments I’ll carry with me. And yes, NetballSA delivered on the sports front. The games were thrilling, the energy was electric, and the 2-1 series win against the England Roses - ranked 4th in the world, us at 5th - was something else. The series decider, won by just 12 goals, had me on the edge of my seat, cheering, praying, and celebrating every movement. The atmosphere was exhilarating, and I felt so alive being part of it.

That said, I do have to be honest: the event management, facilities, and vendors left a little to be desired. But I’m confident they’ll learn from it. For me personally, NetballSA owes me absolutely nothing. I went, I witnessed greatness, I connected with people I love, and I left with my spirit renewed.

Looking Ahead

I’m looking forward to more experiences like this - moments to rest, recharge, and celebrate what God has done. And of course, here’s hoping we get to host more events like this in the future.

Because seeing my girls play, seeing them fight, and seeing them win? That’s a blessing that no inconvenience can take away.