Khayelitsha Netball Sub-District coordinator Bathandwa Mayiji refuses to let any negativity stand in the way of providing opportunities for young girls through the sport of netball.  While the challenges may be significant, with issues like travelling being an issue for many players, Mayiji is quick to point out the positives – not that they’re hard to spot

The district is home to one of the most highly-contested leagues in the Cape Town metro, a competition where the title could go to anyone each season

“The big challenges are the support from the parents and the lack of financial backing,” Mayiji notes. “But when the games kick off, all problems that may be there are put aside and the mentality shifts to winning.”  

These are common issues for many sporting activities in townships, but Mayiji remains hopeful that communities at large will eventually see the benefits of supporting competitive sports, even at the grassroots level.

“The intensity of the league ensures that the talent pool is deep and the players are consistently pushed to improve.”

For Mayiji, this is a clear step in the right direction, as it encourages more girls to take up the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities and competitive spirit.

The current group of players in the district may not be widely known in the larger scheme of things, he notes, but they stand a good chance of being recognised at both provincial and national levels because of the high level of competition they face week in and week out.

Who’s Competing For The Khayelitsha Netball Title

Currently, four teams are in the running for the Khayelitsha sub-district title in what has become a fiercely-contested league.

Currently leading the standings: the defending champions, Future Stars. The team is blessed with a wealth of sharp shooters, making them clear favorites for league glory. They have shown consistent form and a killer instinct in front of the goal post, making them a formidable opponent for any team in the district.

Their main competition comes from the Rock Stars, who boast a mixture of youth and experience in their squad, and are currently sitting in second place on the log. This blend of seasoned players mentoring fresh talent has made them a strategic and difficult team to beat – and they’re making the most of it.

Sitting third on the log is Simunye Netball Club, the league leaders two years ago. They lost some of their most experienced players before the season began, but their young players have stepped up to the challenge, giving the leaders some serious competition. Their resilience and ability to rebuild on the fly has been one of the most inspiring stories of the season.

Home Fighters is another team with an outside chance, sitting in a respectable fourth place in just their first full season in the league. Their rapid rise to the top four has been impressive, and shows the potential they have for future seasons – and this season isn’t over yet, and they may have more surprises in store.

The 20-team league has just started its second round of matches, and Mayiji hopes to ensure a smooth ending to the season. 

He believes that a strong competition within the district not only produces better players, but will ensure players set themselves up for opportunities to move up the netball ladder by getting better opportunities. 

And in the meantime, he will continue to do his part: taking what little is there and using it to expand the game.