Lerato Mailoane
Excitement and anticipation are reaching fever pitch as netball players from the vibrant Sophiatown area eagerly prepare to attend the 2023 Netball World Cup 2023 in Cape Town.
The Netball World Cup takes place from 28 July to 6 August 2023 and is the first to be hosted on the African continent.
On Tuesday, a significant step was taken in the preparations as 66 learners received all the necessary gear for their upcoming journey at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre in Johannesburg, which was buzzing with enthusiasm.
Initially, only the four best players were promised an all-expenses paid trip to the World Cup. However, the spirit of generosity and inclusivity prevailed when Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi made a heartfelt commitment to make the circle bigger by affording players from all six teams participating in the two-day Sophiatown Netball Championship an opportunity to attend.
During the exhilarating two-day Sophiatown Netball Championship, Premier Lesufi was deeply moved by the passion and dedication displayed by the learners. In a heartening gesture, he pledged to give all netball players a chance to witness the World Cup.
The six schools that participated in the thrilling Sophiatown Netball Championship are; Coronationville Secondary School, Riverlea High School, Hoerskool Die Burger, Florida Park High School, Langlaagte Technical High School and Westbury Secondary School.  
The Sophiatown Netball championship is a community-centred tournament organised by Member of Parliament Nompendulo Mkhatshwa and chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Asanda Luwaca. 
Mkhatshwa said the partnership with sponsors such as the Gauteng Provincial Government, Old Mutual and Clicks, learners have been given an opportunity to witness the World Cup in Cape Town, where most will be visiting for the first time.
"The sponsors have not only provided all learners with clothes, toiletries and bags for their luggage, but they have given them an opportunity to dream beyond their daily reality," she said.
Mkhatshwa said they want "to raise awareness about the world cup and to resuscitate netball in schools by placing coaches from UJ in the schools and giving the school's netball equipment". This work is part of her constituency work as a member of parliament. 
One of the beaming young talents, Ntombizandile Ngwenya of Florida Park High, said she is excited to attend the Netball World Cup.
"I am very excited and blessed; this is a dream come true," said an elated Ntombizandile.
Ntombizandile is the captain of the school team which won the Sophiatown Netball Champions and walked away with a trophy and plays at Florida Park's Centre, and she won player of the tournament. 
Another rising star, Kamogelo Nketsi from Westbury High School, said she has been playing netball since grade 1 and has a passion for sports, and she intends to do Sports Management when she completes her schooling.
"This has been an overwhelming experience; I am excited and looking forward to seeing all my favourite Netball icons," added Nketsi.