Success for Shenon, despite struggles

Update

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Almost every afternoon, just before the sun sets over the town in which he was born and raised, Asherville resident Shenon Maarman (31) heads to the netball court of the Collie Koeberg sports stadium.

He fell in love with the sport when he was a Grade Two pupil at Graaff-Reinet Primary School, and last week he was chosen to represent the Sarah Baartman District's male netball team on a provincial level in September.

The talented goal defence was also chosen as vice-captain of the team and juggles his work as a waiter at Polka with coaching five netball teams at Asherville Secondary School.

In 2012, he founded local netball club Central, and he dreams of someday becoming an SA netball umpire.

Thirteen years ago, Maarman never thought that his life would be where it is today.

"When I was younger, my mom fetched me from the netball fields and told me that I wasn't allowed to play because I am a man," Maarman told the Advertiser, while two of his players did drills nearby. "It was a lot [to handle], so I drank pills."

Maarman was taken to hospital, and survived. "Today, my mom excepts me for who I am. She loves me and she's proud of me."

Netball star Shenon Maarman (31) says he enjoys giving back to his community through coaching. With him is Asherville Secondary's first team players, Micheala Ronganger (16) and Joslin Adams (17).

The netball talent is also proud of himself, and with good reason to be. "I never thought I'd be here. It might not seem like a lot, but to me it's amazing."

Also in awe of Maarman are two of the players he coaches, Micheala Ronganger (16) and Joslin Adams (17).

"He's an excellent coach. I look forward to coming to training every day because I always learn something new," said Ronganger. "To me, he's a role model. I learn so much from him," said Adams.

Maarman advises youngster from Graaff-Reinet to always follow their heart. "It doesn't matter what other people think, if you are happy."

Maarman would like to appeal to local residents and businesses to help him raise about R5 500 needed to travel to Limpopo for a tournament later this year. Those interested in sponsering him can contact him directly on 079 461 5711, or call his coach and president of the team Anina Vlok on 061 089 7488.

Male netball player Shenon Maarman (31) is his happiest when he gets to be on the court.