– By Grace Mapfumo

This team is the same one that I have been with since U9 level and it feels so amazing to have been part of this story with them.

Kleinberg U9 Team – 2018

What started out as a group of girls from different homes and situations, struggling to control their emotions and behaviour has developed into a strong team unit.

When I first arrived at Kleinberg, our kids had a reputation of being rude and they didn’t display good sportsmanship. But this group has managed to shift everyone’s perceptions by playing as a team, showing discipline and respect towards one another and their opponents. Even when they lose, they accept the learning and come back better and focused on improving the next time.

I’ve learned as much as they have and using the CoolPlay coaching cards, these girls have learned self-discipline and showed their character in difficult situations. They have become role models to other girls at Kleinberg primary.

After 4 years together, we finished top of the league in our area this year and the girls did amazingly well by winning the annual Cape Town Primary school netball league tournament on 10 September2022.

As a coach, I could not be prouder of how this team has grown, and the understanding of the CoolPlay Way and the coaching cards has been a key factor in that.

Having fun is a big part of what has led us so far as a team, and I will be forever grateful to CoolPlay for giving me the chance to work with these girls. They give me a reason to keep on doing what I am doing and developing the next generation.