Braves Netball Club from Marcus Garvey, Lower Crossroads took the honours at last week’s National Twizza Netball Club Championship.
The girls from the Cape beat Gutsi Academy from Rustenburg, North West, 26-18 to be crowned the champions.
The tournament was held at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha from Friday 22 until Sunday 24 September.
The team qualified for the competition after winning the provincial leg of the contest in Paarl early last month. (“Braves Netball Club appealing for funds”, City Vision, Thursday 14 September).
Braves head coach Nelson Maphika described his team’s win as a dream-come-true for the club. He said their win was not only for them but for all the so-called disadvantaged communities who strive to thrive. “I’m so ecstatic,” Maphika said. “It shows anything is possible in life as long as you put your mind to it. We went there as underdogs. It never crossed my mind that we would win the tournament. My players showed character and resilience.”
Ntandokazi Mbengashe was named Player of the Tournament, while her teammate Amahle Mncube took the accolade for the Best Defense.
Maphika regarded their participation in the tournament as a massive achievement. He said although they lost two games in the group stages, his players were not deterred. They bounced back in spectacular fashion to claim the top prize.
He expressed his gratitude to all the people who supported them during their journey.