KOMANI NEWS - Luchwayito (Lulu) Tshandu (18) received her certificate as one of the U18 top 35 netball players at the closing ceremony of the Telkom Provincial Netball Championships on 11 July. She will now represent South Africa.
“It was such a shock for me to hear my name being called for the U18 squad top 35,” reacted an overwhelmed Lulu.
Lulu has made her parents, Bongiwe Tshandu, who was born and bred in Hofmeyr, and Bulumko Nkowane, very proud.
She is currently in Grade 12 at Hoërskool Hangklip in Queenstown (Komani), where she is also the head girl.
Trials
During the interview with Graaff-Reinet Advertiser, Lulu said that the tournament acted as trials.
“We all received numbers that we had to pin on our playing kit and our skills were judged throughout the whole tournament.
Each game was a chance for each of us to showcase our talents and skills, to be seen by the spectators and selectors.”
Lulu has learnt a lot from Rochelle Pretorius, who coached her for this tournament. “Rochelle helped us improve our skills more, and gave us confidence in the way we should play,” she said.
Lulu played wing defence and goal defence during the tournament, “but at school, I play goal defence, which is a position I am relatively comfortable in.
However, it is always a great experience to play outside my position and expand my skills in other positions,” she said, and it was clear that nothing could dampen her enthusiasm for her sport.
Upon enquiry she confirmed that she had no sponsors for this tournament.
Future plans
Tshando plans to further her studies at university in 2026, hoping to be acknowledged for her netball skills, and would love to be chosen for her university’s team.
She will apply to study computer science at her chosen university.
“I would love to continue playing netball for as long as possible, and I dream of eventually representing my country on the biggest courts in the world. That is my ultimate goal,” said Lulu.
Grateful
“I have been fortunate to be presented with many opportunities to develop my skills further and meet amazing people through netball.
My first team netball coach at school, Jalé Thomas, has been one of my biggest cheer leaders and she has believed in me since the first time I went on court.
I am truly grateful for her presence in my netball career.”
“My mother, Bongi, has worked tooth and nail for me to be able to even take part in such tournaments. Without her support, I don’t think that I would have played this sport up to this level.
From my games in Grade 3, to playing for my province in the Telkom Netball Championships, she always makes sure she watches my games and screams the loudest next to the court.
My mother is my no 1 fan, and I am truly fortunate to have her as my mother.”
“There are many who have supported my netball career and have contributed a lot to my growth, I am truly grateful for that. I wish I could show my appreciation to each one."
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