Netball ace provides silver lining with national team selection
- Tshepiso Mametela
The chaos of the coronavirus across the country has not tarnished the sporting exploits of Wits Netball as its 1st team goal keeper and defence player, Simone van Reenen, prepares to once again don the national team kit.
The 2nd year part-time BA General student was selected to the South Africa (SA) Under-23 indoor team to play against Australia and New Zealand, with the dates and venues for the tests yet to be announced while the country currently sits in the midst of a lockdown.
As the youngest member of the SA squad, van Reenen, who makes the junior national side for the second time since her first appearance at the age of 17, said she could not have dreamed to have come this far in the sport. “But I knew if I worked hard to get to where I want to be, that I would definitely get there someday,” said van Reenen.
She said her journey through the sport was not easy, as through her entire primary school career, she did not ever make the first team. Her resilience, however, did not take a knock. “I was always chosen to play in the [third or fourth] team,” she admitted. “I had to give up on many things but chose instead to pursue my love and passion for netball over going out with friends.”
She added: “It’s always an honour to play for the national team. It means a lot for me to represent my country and to know that the hard work pays off. I’m hoping that I can one day be part of the Proteas (senior South Africa) netball team. My other goal is to travel around the world and maybe settle in a club in Australia, who knows?”
A proud 1st team netball head coach, Marguerite Rootman, said van Reenen’s selection comes deservedly and that her star player has what it takes to make a solid impression at this level. “She is a very hard worker and always gives her best. Even though she is the youngest player, I think she will be an asset to the team,” the coach said.
“On the outdoor court, I think she is an underestimated player because her demeanour is not what is usually expected from a defence player. Her selection for the SA Under-23 indoor team will be a big boost for her confidence and it is only a matter of time before we see her perform on these levels on the outdoor courts as well.”
