Veteran SPAR Proteas player Phumza Maweni has called time on her nine-year professional netball career.
The 39-year-old SPAR Proteas star said she was sad to announce that the time for her to gracefully exit the court had arrived, making space for the emerging stars awaiting their chance.
“The unwavering support of my son and family throughout my netball journey has been invaluable, and they rightfully deserve more of my time and attention. Moving forward, I intend to contribute to the sport from the sidelines, fostering growth, development, and coaching for the next generation of superstars,” said SPAR Proteas legend Phumza Maweni.
“The past years have exceeded all expectations, transforming into a journey of a lifetime. This sport has shaped me into a confident and powerful woman, far beyond what I could have envisioned. I cherish and acknowledge every aspect of this experience,” said Maweni.
Phumza Maweni 🌟 thank you for the magic, the victories, and the indelible mark you've left on the game. Wishing you all the best in your new chapter! ❤️🇿🇦
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) December 14, 2023
👉 https://t.co/690YYQltmu#SPARProteas | #NetballLegend | #ThankYouPhumza pic.twitter.com/V3BFi5PGCR
According to Netball South Africa, Maweni started her journey when she was 28-years-old and she has gone on to achieve a lot of success for herself on the court, starting off playing for the Southern Stings in the then Brutal Fruit Netball League (now Telkom Netball League), she played for some of the best teams overseas, namely Loughborough Lightning, Severn Stars, Team Bath in the UK, and Sunshine Coast Lightning in Australia.
Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane described Maweni as a great asset to the SPAR Proteas team and structure and a great player with exceptional netball talent and intelligence.
“When you consider how ‘late’ she started playing the sport, how quickly she broke into the team, and what she has been able to achieve, one can only attribute this to discipline and dedication. With the knowledge and experience she has acquired over the years; I think it will be wrong for us as a federation to let all of this go to waste.
Mlokwane added that the organisation needs to start thinking about finding ways and systems that will enable them to utilise what Maweni has gained and knows.
Maweni’s departure from the court follows that of former head-coach Norma Plummer.
Both Norma and Maweni made their last debut in their last test series against England’s Vitality Roses.
