Nozipho Ntshangase's journey in netball has been nothing short of extraordinary. As the captain of the Kingdom Stars in the 2024 season, she led her team to victory in the Telkom Netball League Division B, showcasing her exceptional leadership skills and on-court prowess. This achievement is the latest highlight in a career marked by dedication, tenacity, and an indomitable spirit that has inspired many across KZN and beyond.
Over the past year, Nozipho, affectionately known as "Gorgeous," has established herself as one of the country’s premier netball athletes. Her exceptional talents have shone on provincial, national, and international stages, placing her performances at the pinnacle of the sport.
In November 2023, she gained another international cap at the esteemed FAST5 Netball World Series in New Zealand, where her agility and strategic gameplay helped the national team compete against some of the best in the world.
Nozipho's contributions to the 2023 champions of the KZN Netball Super League Division A, Ziphozonke Club, earned her significant recognition at the KZN Netball Awards, where she was honored with two prestigious titles: Best Defender of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year. Her prowess didn’t cease there; in February 2024, she was named Most Valuable Player at the KZN Netball Championships, further underscoring her vital role in her team's achievements.
Recognising her leadership qualities, Nozipho was appointed as the Captain of the Kingdom Stars for the 2024 season. Under her guidance, the team not only triumphed in the Telkom Netball League's B Division but also celebrated Nozipho's personal accomplishments, which included earning three Player of the Match titles and ultimately being recognized as Player of the Tournament in Division B.
Such accomplishments earned her a coveted place in the Fast5 squad of the national team in July 2024, a clear testament to her status as one of the nation’s elite athletes.
As we commemorate Women's Month, we reflect on Nozipho Ntshangase's remarkable journey and celebrate not just her individual successes, but what she represents—a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with her humility and grace, makes her a role model, and we can’t wait to see how her story continues to unfold. We look forward to witnessing her future endeavors and the impact she will undoubtedly have on the sport of netball and the lives of those who follow in her footsteps.