Nomfundo Mngomezulu: Shooting for the stars
During the 2020 Telkom Netball League Division 2 final, the Kingdom Queens Goal Shooter Nomfundo Mngomezulu gave a performance that earned her a player of the match awarded as her team narrowly lost 35-31 to the Eastern Aloes.
During the match, what impressed the most was the nonchalant aura she was carrying, when shooting it was like time stopped for her, the high pressure of the game she was immune to it, putting on a smile whenever shooting.
In the post-match interview, she carried that same persona she had on the court. Before giving the presenter an answer to their question, she gave them a long look, took a deep breath, not worried about the pressures of live television and then proceeded to give an appropriate, sophisticated answer of a seasoned pro.
“It was our first time in this big competition, and we have done well. It was a good thing for us to get to this stage, we have learned from this experience, hopefully, next time we come here and we’ll do better,” answered Mngomezulu in a soft-spoken and yet assured tone when quizzed about her team’s performance.
Many athletes after high pressured games often find themselves fumbling and being out of context during post-match interviews, the media skill Mngomezulu showed that day was a representation of her character.
“‘I’m a pretty much-relaxed person. The personality I have on the court is the same as the one I have off it. The smile I give when playing is a reminder for me to always enjoy and not feel the pressure,” said Mngomezulu.
The Zipho Zonke player is having a meteoric rise in netball thanks to her raw natural talent, a diamond in the rough who is continuing to be fine-tuned. She was unearthed at the 2012 Salga Games in the uMkhanyakude District. The then 15-year-old went to the games for football trials but her netball abilities would shine bright like a diamond when she thought she was having a mock netball match.
“Before netball, I was playing ladies soccer, but in 2012 I got selected in my first netball trial at the Salga Games when I went there for soccer.
So, we travelled together with netball players when going to the games; they were shorting and, then they asked me if I could fill in a spot. I played the match and then afterwards they told me because of my height and how I played, they were going to select me.
I ended up being selected for soccer and netball; with netball, I was playing for fun because I went to the games for soccer. They asked for me to be removed from soccer and I was heartbroken. Then Mrs Simphiwe Msane asked me to join netball, then I was coached by Mr Jomo Mabanga. That’s how I got into netball, and I have been playing since then.”
The 23-year-old was born in Shikishela, in 2006 she moved to Dukuduku where she grew up surrounded by a supportive family structure. She matriculated in 2016 at Silethukukhanya High School, after matric she knew a netball career was on the books and has pursued it relentlessly since then.
“After finishing school, I saw that I can have a career in netball because this is my gift. I knew I could make a living with netball but it was up to me to be dedicated and determined so I can get where I want to be with netball. Netball has taught me a lot, and I am still going to learn from it.”
This year’s TNL edition was one where Mngomezulu made strides following a rather disappointing first campaign in 2019 with the Kingdom Stars. Her experience and disappointments from last year equipped her to be a better version.
“This year’s TNL performance was better because it was my second year, I went with experience as I knew what to expect as compared to last year where I was nervous. Also, last year I didn’t get much game time, and I understood because I was scared and not playing well. So, this year I had more game time and fewer nerves which resulted in improved performances,” explained Mngomezulu.
Her inspired showing at the TNL propelled Spar Proteas coach Dorette Badenhorst to call her up for the squad that was going to do battle with the Malawi Queens in the Spar Challenge which the proteas won 3-0. The call up for Mngomezulu was a showing that she’s heading towards the right direction in her career.
“I was very happy to be called up to the Spar Proteas because that has been a dream of mine ever since I started playing netball; I have always said I want to represent my country. God gave me this talent and, he wouldn’t have given it to me if he knew there would be no future with it. The call-up and attending the camp was a big thing, it meant there’s light going forward, and success is close.
It was a great achievement and experience. The senior players welcomed us new ones with open arms, didn’t give us any trouble it was all fun. They gave us tips, and guidance; and I learned a lot from them. They shared their experience with us, “said Mngomezulu.
Phumza Maweni is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. Nomfundo Mngomezulu has a story to tell about their first encounter on the court.
“At my first Proteas trial I scared; because I was being marked by Phumza Maweni, and she’s a world-class player. But as the trial went on, I realised she’s human just like me. I then gained confidence and started playing well,” shared Mngomezulu.
Plenty can be expected from Nomfundo Mngomezulu, as she shoots for goals, she’ll also be shooting for the stars because, in the game of netball, her star is on the rise.
