Johannesburg - Newly elected Netball South Africa president Cecilia Molokwane wants to leave a legacy when her term ends.
Her first goal is to implement strategies that will further the sport.
“We have plans in place for a netball sport arena and turning netball into a professional sport".
She defeated Mimi Mthethwa by 55 votes to 40 in the election. Mthethwa had been at the helm for 13 years.
Executive team
Molokwane was overwhelmed by taking the hot seat, but did expect to win after receiving many nominations.
The University of Limpopo graduate has already met the new executive team that she is going to serve with for the next four years.
They include Blanche de la Guerre who remains chief executive, Christine du Preez of Ekurhuleni who was elected as vice president, Mpumi Javu from the Eastern Cape and Annie Kloppers from the Cape Winelands.
Anneline Lewies and Mami Diale were re-elected to the positions of director of coaching and director of demarcation respectively.
“I know that with the experience I have and the team that surrounds me, we will be able to take netball to greater heights. Teamwork is crucial".
The Polokwane-based Molokwane wants to take netball to the people, “working closely with districts, provinces, schools and universities”.
She has been involved in various aspects of the game as a player, coach and administrator.
“I have been assistant coach of the national team, and head coach of the Under-20 team. I also served on the national executive as director of selection.
Everyone in netball
Her long-term plans include developing a world-class national netball venue, which she believes will help the national team to improve its world ranking. The team is currently ranked fifth behind Australia, New Zealand, England and Jamaica.
“I am very excited about the future and I appeal to everyone in netball in South Africa to work together. By doing so, we will be able to take netball to the next level".
Originally from Pretoria, Molokwane moved to Polokwane in 1993 to study at the then University of the North.
“After my studies, I got married and began working in Polokwane. The rest, as they say, is history".
Molokwane will not be relocating to the organisation’s Pretoria head offices because of her duties as acting manager of sport and recreation at the Polokwane municipality. She regards her involvement as being necessary to fulfil her passion for volunteer work.