In the first of our “Getting To Know Your SASCA Sports Coaches” series, we chat to Precious Mthembu, the former Protea netball international who celebrates her birthday on 11 July. She suffered a career-threatening injury at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and returned to playing after eight months of intensive rehab. Here she tells us a little more about herself.
Who are your role models in sport and have you met them?
My role models are my late mother and the American 100m sprinter Marion Jones. I have never met her.
What is your most memorable other sporting moment that doesn’t involve you?
When I was young, before my netball career, I was a long distance cross-country runner. I used to run barefoot because my mom could not afford to buy me takkies and also the fact that coming from the rural area I was comfortable barefoot. One of my Primary School parents got me my first takkies. I clearly remember they were New Balance.
What is your most memorable other sporting moment that doesn’t involve you?
Serena Williams winning the Australian Open while she was couple of weeks pregnant and the passing away of the American basketball legend Kobe Bryant. It will never be forgotten.
In terms of your travels, what has been your favourite city and why?
I have travelled to various cities because of my netball. My favourite city is Kingston in Jamaica. Jamaican citizens are amazing, they are charming and always bring their colourful personality into any situation. I love the beautiful Island with its culture.
Where in South Africa do you live?
I live in Durban and that is why Jamaica has a special place in my heart.
What is your favourite app on your phone?
My favourite app in my phone is my camera. I enjoy taking various pictures and playing around with features.
What is your favourite TV show?
I’m not so much of a TV person but one of my best series I have watched and still watch again and again is Greys Anatomy.
Finish this sentence. My sport is the best because …
Netball is life. Everything else is just a game.
How Precious became involved in sports coaching: “I was mentored and coached by Marchelle Maroun who relocated to Cape Town. She has been coaching me since high school. I have learnt so much from her bringing along the experience of being coached by other SA coaches. Also, my being coached by one of the best coaches in the world sums everything up. SA netball team coaches, Norma Plummer and Nicole Cosack have so much knowledge and we try to learn as much as we can from them. I took over the KZN Superleague team, Gilbert Stars when I was injured, sharing the coaching with Michelle Seagul.”
Photo courtesy Thuligraphy Images
