South African netball continues to rise, producing talented young players who are making a mark on the international stage. One such rising star is Mbali Diphoko, a dynamic netballer, from Kokstad in the Harry Gwala District, who recently represented South Africa in the Spar Baby Proteas squad during the Jamaica Series. The Baby Proteas dominated the competition, winning all three games against their Caribbean opponents. KZN Netball sat down with Mbali to talk about her journey, her experience in Jamaica, and her future ambitions in the sport.

From Harry Gwala to the World!

KZN Netball: Mbali, first of all, congratulations on representing South Africa in the U21 Baby Proteas squad in Jamaica! Walking onto that court in national colours, knowing you’re playing for your country—what was that feeling like? Take us through that moment when you first stepped onto the international stage.

Mbali Diphoko: That feeling was indescribable! Putting on the South African jersey and walking onto the court in Jamaica was a dream come true. It was a mix of emotions—excitement, nerves, and pride. I remember feeling a surge of adrenaline as I stepped onto the international stage, knowing that I was representing not just myself, but my family, my community, and my country .As I looked around at the crowd and my teammates, I felt a sense of responsibility to make a difference and make my country proud. It was a moment I’ll never forget, and it’s a feeling that continues to motivate me to work harder and push myself to new heights.

Winning Streak!

KZN Netball: The Baby Proteas won all three of their games in Jamaica! What was the key to your team’s success? Any unforgettable moment from the tournament that stands out?

Mbali Diphoko: The key to our team’s success was definitely our unity and teamwork. We had a strong bond and understanding among us, which made it easy to work together and support each other on the court. Our coaches also played a huge role in preparing us strategically and mentally for each game. As for an unforgettable moment, one that stands out for me was when we beat Jamaica in the final game. The energy in the stadium was electric, and to come out on top in front of such a passionate crowd was an incredible feeling. Seeing the joy and pride on my teammates’ faces after the final whistle was truly unforgettable!

Jamaican Vibes!

KZN Netball: Apart from the competition, how was your experience in Jamaica? The people, the culture, and of course, the food—what did you enjoy the most?

Mbali Diphoko: Jamaica was an amazing experience! The people were warm and welcoming, and the culture was so rich. The music and dance were also infectious—I found myself moving to the reggae beats even during our team’s downtime.

The Power of Sport!

KZN Netball: You recently received a sports bursary to study at the University of the Free State. That’s a huge achievement! How did netball open this opportunity for you, and what advice would you give to young athletes about balancing sports and education?

Mbali Diphoko: Netball has opened doors for me that I never thought possible. The sports bursary to study at the University of the Free State is a huge blessing, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to balance my passion for netball with my education. My advice to young athletes would be to stay focused, work hard, and never give up on your dreams. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you, and always remember that education is key to unlocking your full potential.