National recognition a dream come true for Bay netball duo

Madibaz netball players Liyanda Mtati and Mihlali Gxabagxaba were included in the Dream Team which was named after the recent University Sport SA tournament hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay University in Gqeberha.

Two of Madibaz’s finest netball players – both men – have been included in the University Sports South Africa Dream Team following their escapades at the national tertiary tournament in Gqeberha recently.

Mihlali Gxabagxaba and Liyanda Mtati both made the line-up representing the best performers of the week in the men’s division, a category only formally introduced in 2024.

“Considering the incredible talent at the tournament, it was surreal to be chosen,” Gxabagxaba, who had his first brush with the sport at the age of 14, said.

Mtati, competing in his second USSA competition, said being named in the Dream Team was “such an honour”.

While attending secondary school in Engcobo in the Eastern Cape, Gxabagxaba started training with the girls in his village who were preparing for the Mayoral Cup.

“I learnt a lot from them, especially about footwork,” the final-year nursing student said.

“There was still some stigma around men playing what was considered a women’s sport but I didn’t let it bother me because I loved it so much.”

With the passing years he developed into a competitive player, culminating in him captaining the Mandela University team at home in this year’s competition.

This experience, according to the 26-year-old goal defence and attack, was simply overwhelming.

“Ah man, it was just amazing that we hosted the USSAs. There was such great energy during our preparations.”

Mtati, an information technology student by day, got his start in the sport purely by chance. He was asked to step in when a team was a player short during a practice match he spectated.

“I used to watch my sister play in primary school but was too shy to ask if I could join in,” the 21-year-old confessed.

“Then, one day, they were a player short and the coach asked if I could fill in.”

He seized the opportunity, gave it his all and impressed her so much that she invited him back.

“Little did I realise what a life-changing moment that would be.”

Although there were “some nerves” in the Madibaz camp ahead of their first USSA game, they kept it together under the leadership of Gxabagxaba to beat the University of Venda.

“That really boosted our confidence,” he remembered.

They went on to win five of seven matches to place third in the Premier Division, narrowly missing out on promotion to the Super Division.

“We took a lot from this years’ experience and will work on our weaknesses to come back stronger,” he promised.

“Ending third in our pool was commendable, especially with so many first-timers in the squad.”

Referring to the introduction of men’s teams the previous year, Mtati said it had been breathtaking to be part of such a big step forward for the sport.

“I’ve gained so much experience from playing against the top teams in the country,” the wing added.

He paid tribute to coach Bianca Blom, a former stalwart of the women’s team.

“I want to thank Bianca for being there every step of the way.”