Meet some of the members of UP’s latest sports team, and find out how to join.

The newly created UP Staff Netball Team is full of role models that range from players, coaches, officials, and administrators. Tukkievaria spoke with a few of the players to find out more and help you get to know them.

Ms Neo Maseko

I work at the Department of Institutional Advancement as a Protocol Coordinator in the PR and Events team. My role requires that I spend a lot of hours at work, so the opportunity to include netball practice helps keep me healthy and fit. This means I have the required clarity, energy, and strength to carry out my duties. I love the networking netball offers to socialise with colleagues across the university outside the office.

Karabo Lesoetsa

I work in the IT Department. Netball has changed my life in such a way that I am now getting physical training, as it is recommended by health professionals, and I get to meet new people from different departments and faculties and also learn about their different roles at UP.

Palesa Daisy Ngwenya

I am Daisy Ngwenya from the Department for Education Innovation. Netball is my second love, after my children. I played netball since my school days back in the 80s, and have never stopped. UP is my third institution of employment, and I have been part of implementing and playing in staff teams since I started working in 1992. I am honoured to be part of a few who have been actively participating informally in playing this sport at UP since 2013. Our game was interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are happy that we are back on the courts again. Why netball? Sport helps in health, physical fitness and, most importantly, social cohesion. Netball makes us able to meet new colleagues, and play with other institutions and companies, thus creating connections that also come in handy in the work we do. I love the vibe on the UP Staff Ladies Netball Team, as we have all age of players and we gel very well. As the Chairperson of the team, my dream is to see us compete in different leagues and participate in inter-varsity leagues and tournaments.

Thembelihle Sibiya

I have loved being active in all types of sports since my schooling days. Sadly, as we get older, the responsibilities of life take over, and the time to do what we like doesn’t often present itself. As a busy working mom, finding a work/life balance is very tricky, so when I discovered that there is a UP Staff Ladies Netball Team, I was more than overjoyed. Ever since I joined the team I have never looked back. Not only have I gained a sisterhood, but the stress relief could not have arrived at a better time, especially for my mental health. When I play, I forget all about my problems, and just for that little while I feel like a child again. I work at the Executive Office with the Vice-Principal: Academic, which comes with its own pressures, naturally. Netball is a great outlet for me.

Gloria Raphatlhelo

I work in the Finance Department, and being active is a way to keep my mind and body healthy. Netball is a sport that requires mental and physical agility, which is a type of challenge I enjoy very much. I look forward to training and playing games, even if it is just screaming on the court sometimes – and not forgetting having a family of funny, strong, and amazing women. I'm honoured to be part of the UP Staff Ladies Netball Team.

Magdeline Kekana 

I work in the Department of Finance, and have been playing netball since primary school, and have loved playing since day one. When I heard that UP has a staff netball team there was no doubt in my mind about joining the team. Going to the gym or just exercising is not my cup of tea, therefore this will help to keep me active while doing something I love and having fun at the same time. This is also something wonderful to have with this group of ladies outside my normal daily routine of work and family life. It's my time to be carefree.

Mpopi Sithole

I work in the Distance Education Unit at the Faculty of Education. Playing netball is helping me with my fitness and strength, and it also helps in forming new friendships and building my confidence.

Paulina Hlapane

I work in the Department of Student Affairs. As an active woman in my personal life, I saw it fitting to join the UP Staff Ladies Netball Team, as this contributes to my healthy lifestyle. Doing so while representing UP will be my best way of contributing to growing these sports generally, and to the University. Together, we grow – THE UP WAY!

To join the UP Staff Netball family, please contact the Chairperson of the team, Ms Daisy Palesa Ngwenya, via email on [email protected], or call the office landline at 012 420 2080 or mobile number 082 356 1370.

The men of UP have also started volleyball and soccer teams. To join the volleyball team please contact Ayanda Simelane at [email protected] or 082 665 9523, and for the soccer team please email Mahlotsa Letsebe at [email protected], or call him on 083 293 5184.