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It’s been a season to remember for the Helderberg Saints Netball Club (HSNC) following prestigious awards for two of its players and top finishes for two of its teams.
All HSNC teams played in the Khayelitsha Northern Zone Subdistrict, of which the prize-giving took place at Khayelitsha on Saturday 15 October.
It was here that 12-year-old Jaylin Bevis, who attends Danie Ackerman Primary, obtained a top 10 award for under-15 teams (team finished sixth overall) and 20-year-old Kaylon Josias obtained a top 10 award for senior B-teams (team finished ninth overall). The Garden Village residents have made their community proud.
HSNC is a sister club to soccer club Helderberg Lions FC, which also enjoyed success at the end of its season (“Helderberg Lions flying high”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 15 October). The clubs have different executives but one aim: to build a sporting club in the community.
HSNC team manager Alicia Jacobs said the club was established after she was approached by a community leader, who has since passed away, in 2019.
“I was approached to start netball in the community and it began with just friendlies, as I had no experience or knowledge of netball, nor did I play it as a child,” she said.
“After learning and doing some research I realised our children needed to play in a league where talents could be nurtured and seen. We started playing in the league last year, although it was very difficult as a young club entering one of the toughest netball leagues in Cape Town.”
Perseverance paid off and junior and senior teams were established, Jacobs added. This season’s outcome is promising as the players worked hard and the club received funding from the National Lotteries Commission, which also aided training sessions to be better resourced to sharpen netball skills.
But Jacobs admitted it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the club.
“We had a few challenges through this year, transport being the biggest one as we had to travel to Khayelitsha every Saturday. Another big challenge is that not all players are as consistent as they should be, which makes it difficult to build teams and better our club unit. I have the passion to work with youths and push them to work towards a better future, but I cannot do it without the help of parents and the community at large.”
Jacobs is assisted with management of the club by senior players, but they are often left wanting due to a shortage of volunteers to lend a helping hand in all the administration. “There are a lot of opportunities, we just have to explore and work very hard to achieve our goals. We appeal to the community to assist us in any way possible, so that we can make a difference in our community through sports development. We have dreams for this club to one day produce professional players, coaches and umpires.”
V For more information on HSNC, contact Jacobs at 076 556 1265.
