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In the quaint Central Karoo town of Beaufort West, a fire of determination was ignited in a young girl named Novangeli Matongo (Matshoba is her maiden surname). Little did anyone know that this spark would eventually blaze a trail through the world of sports, leaving an indelible mark of inspiration and transformation.

 From Beaufort West’s picturesque landscapes to the bustling streets of Cape Town and even the vast expanses of Namibia, Matongo’s journey was anything but ordinary. A passion for sports coursed through her veins, igniting her spirit in disciplines as diverse as netball, football, and athletics. With each step she took, she used the power of sports to forge dreams of empowerment and change, not just for herself, but for generations to come.

 Now standing at 45 years old, a mother of two, and a fervent athlete, Matongo’s next destination is Botswana on 24 to 27 August, where she will captain the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union national netball team (as a Captain of the team),at the prestigious Southern African Teachers Organisations games. As she prepared for the journey, Novangeli reflected, “This means a lot to me since I have always enjoyed playing sport.”

 Her journey began with the wind at her back and a competitive fire in her eyes. In her formative years, she excelled in the 100m and 400m sprints, setting tracks ablaze with her speed. But it wasn’t just her agility on the track that shone; it was her prowess on the netball court that truly caught the world’s attention. Despite the challenges that often accompany sports in small towns, her passion fuelled her determination to join local teams such as Powerlads and later the Blues Netball Team.

 As she pursued her tertiary education, Matongo’s talent wasn’t limited to just one field. She showcased her skills as a striker for residence soccer teams like Dos Santos, Collin Williams, and the University of the Western Cape Ladies. Her versatility was unmatched, earning her a spot in the Western Cape Tertiary Institution team.

 Matongo’s influence wasn’t confined to the field of play; it extended to the realm of coaching. In 2006, she was appointed head coach of the South African Universities U-17 girls’ soccer team, a role that showcased her dedication to nurturing talent. Her team won gold at the USSSA Games in Zambia.

 Back in her hometown, she founded the Mandlenkosi Netball Club, creating a space for both men and women to shine.

 Matongo then relocated to Namibia and her involvement in netball remained unwavering. She initially joined the Namibia Broadcasting Netball team, catching the eye of the Black Africa Club scouts. Simultaneously, she dedicated herself to coaching, nurturing talent at schools like Highlands Christian School and Jan Mohr High School.

 Her return to Cape Town brought her to Bardale Secondary School in Mfuleni, where she not only taught but also founded a teachers’ team to challenge other educators, not just in the city but in towns across the province. In 2020, she also joined the over 40s division of the GMC Eagles Netball Club.

 Reflecting on her journey, Novangeli emphasized the impact of sports on her life, both personally and professionally. “Sport keeps me healthy. It builds my network of friends and colleagues locally and internationally. It enhances my ability to work in a team, as well as my coordination and management skills.”

 Reflecting on the recent Netball World Cup in Cape Town, Matongo acknowledged the event’s significance. However, she also noted that the tournament highlighted the existing disparities in South African netball, particularly in terms of transformation. Despite the progress made, challenges in creating accessible opportunities for girls of colour, especially in townships, persist.

 Matongo believes that a lack of proper foundations, facilities, and safe environments hinder the growth of netball talent from a young age.

 Novangeli Matongo’s journey through netball and soccer exemplifies unwavering dedication, versatility, and a commitment to nurturing talent. From her small-town beginnings to her current role as a prominent athlete and coach, her story is one of resilience, passion, and a determination to drive positive change in the world of sports.

Edited by Nicklaus Kruger