The TuksNetball captain, Kamogelo Maseko, sees her best quality as that of being a grinder every time she steps onto the court. 

In sports, a grinder is defined as someone who may not have the most outstanding natural skills or physical attributes but is still a great player. It is usually because of grit, hard work, and sheer will. 

It is precisely what Maseko is. On Tuesday, playing for the Gauteng Jaguars in the Telkom Netball League against the Aloes, she was the Player of the Match. It is the second time during the tournament that she has received the award.

"I set myself a goal for each game. Sometimes it borders on being unrealistic. But still, I don't quit. I get it done by grinding it out until the very last minute. It is who I am. I have a winning mentality. 

"Playing as a wing attack, I see myself as a playmaker that can bring calmness and composure to a game. It is vital to feed well to get the ball to the circle so we can score. One of my specialties is creating turnovers."

With such an attitude, it is no surprise that Maseko is one of the youngest players to make her debut for the SPAR Proteas. She did so in 2020 against Malawi, when she was only 18. Last year, she was signed as one of the 24 contracted national players. According to Maseko, she is living her dream.

But the next ten or so days are going to be hectic. As things stand, the Jaguars could contest the Telkom Netball League final on Sunday. On Monday in Stellenbosch, it is the start of the USSA Netball Championships. Naturally, Maseko wants Tuks to be crowned the student champions.

But the Tuks team might have their work cut out for them to do so, as it is a relatively inexperienced team. The captain begs to differ. 

"It is my dream team, with whom I am prepared to go to war. As youngsters, they have no limits. As I am, everyone is also prepared to grind it. Never giving up. They proved it earlier this year when we played intervarsity netball in Potchefstroom. We were victorious against the more experienced teams."

Maseko credits who she is to her grandmother.

"She raised me and is the one who has taught me that through hard work and discipline, nothing is possible. So many female role models have influenced how I do things. Elsje Jordaan, Jenny van Dyk, "Tannie Riana (Bezuidenhout) are a few of many."

To relax, the Tuks student-athlete loves to sing. 

"As far as I am concerned, I have a golden voice, but my friends tend to differ. I also love to read. Especially books on how to make money. Also, I am fascinated by how the minds of serial killers work. That is why I love watching documentaries on serial killers."