KNYSNA NEWS - Two talented local netball players, Chardanay Witbooi (18) and Jay-Lee Sass (19), recently received Eden colours.
Witbooi, a Grade 11 learner at Knysna Secondary School, and Sass, who completed her schooling last year at Knysna High School, will depart for Gauteng on 1 December to represent the Eden region in an interprovincial tournament.
Witbooi, a formidable centre and also captain of the Knysna Loeries Netball Club, shared with the Knysna-Plett Herald that she took up netball to stay off the streets and to enjoy the sense of community that comes with playing.
'Hang-time'
"I enjoy the frequent outings, when my team plays over the weekends," she says. Despite not having the typical height of a centre, Witbooi has earned a reputation for her remarkable ability to leap high, thanks to her natural "hang-time".
"My opponents often underestimate me because I don't have the typical height, but I've learned to leap higher despite that," she explains.
Ultimate goal
The event marks Witbooi's second selection for the Eden netball team, having first achieved this honour in 2022. Her ultimate goal is to play for Western Province.
Chardanay Witbooi in action.
"I believe I have the skills to be selected at that level, and I'm determined to work harder and compete regularly against top-level opponents, which is exactly what I'll get in the upcoming tournament," she says.
Career in uniform
Outside of netball, Witbooi dreams of a career in uniform, either in the army or the traffic department.
Sass, a prolific goal-shooter, is pursuing tertiary studies, and shares a similar dream of representing Western Province at the highest level.
"I've been fortunate to be selected for the Eden team several times, and my dream is to always stay involved in netball, whether through coaching, administration, or playing," she says.
Guidance
Both athletes attribute their success to the guidance of Larry Ackerman, a local coach who has instilled in them both discipline and a firm belief in their abilities.
They also expressed their gratitude to the Knysna municipality, the Rotary Club, and the Active Education Centre for their financial support towards the upcoming interprovincial tournament.
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