From the courts of Umgungundlovu to representing uMzinyathi on the national stage Amandla "Tu" Madlala is a rising netball star whose journey is defined by passion, determination and the belief that dreams are achievable. As we celebrate Women's Month KwaZulu-Natal sits down with Tu to unpack her journey, her experience with Kingdom Stars in the Telkom Netball League, uMzinyathi's memorable Spar National Championship bronze medal, and her dream of one day wearing the green and gold of the Spar Proteas.
For those who may not know you yet, who is Amandla Madlala? AM - I am just God-fearing girl from Umgungundlovu who loves netball more than anything. Off the court I'm very shy and quiet, I love laughing with my family and spending time at home. On the court I'm a different person, I become loud, competitive, full of energy. I think I'm a hard worker and I believe in dreams.
Where does your netball journey begins? AM - It began in primary school(2015) in Umgungundlovu. At first we were just playing during break time with my friends, no shoes just fun. My sports teacher saw me and I said I must join the school team. That's when I fell in love with it. The feeling of scoring, running teamwork, I knew this is what I want to do.
Who were some of the people who played an important role? AM - My father first, he supported me even when we didn't have money for transport of kit. My first coach in Umgungundlovu,coach Thobani Ndlovu(Bhashini) who thought me the basics an believe me. My family at Umzinyathi who welcomed me like their own child.
What inspires you? AM - My dad inspires me everyday. In netball I look up to Bongi Msomi, she is a legend in KZN Netball. She shows us that a girl from KZN can go all the way. My teammates also motivate me, when I see them pushing, I push for more.
The transition from Umgungundlovu to Mzinyathi how did it came about? AM - After playing in uMgungundlovu, I got an opportunity to go and trial in uMzinyath. It was a big decision to leave home but I wanted to grow. I prayed about it and my family supported me. How was the experience joining a new district? AM - It was not easy at first, new faces, new system. But the girls in uMzinyathi are amazing, they are sisters now. The coaches were patient with me and helped me to settle. Now uMzinyathi is my second home.
Lets talk the TNL now, what was going through your mind when you realized you were about to debut in Division 1 with Kingdom Stars? AM - I was shaking! My heart was beating so fast. I was thinking God is this really happening? I was nervous but also excited. I told myself 'Amandla' this is your moment, enjoy it. When you were introduced you brought energy, did you feel the moment or switch into game mode? AM - I think I just switched into game mode. Once the whistle goes, I don't hear the crowd anymore. I just want to play ,to bring energy for my team. Afterwards I realized wow I just played TNL.
What did playing in Division 1 teach you? AM -It thought me that elite netball is very fast and very physical. You have to think quickly, you have to be fit and strong mentally. One mistake and they punish you. It showed me the level I need to reach. How important was the Kingdom Stars? Very important Kingdom Stars gave ,e a chance while Im this young. They trusted me and that confidence they gave me changed my game completely.
Lets look into the Spar National Championship, you won Bronze in the U21B what does that mean to you and the district? AM - It means everything. For a small district like uMzinyathi to come home with bronze at National is huge. It shows that we belong. I cried when we got it. What was the atmosphere in the camp? AM - The atmosphere was pure sisterhood. We were praying together, laughing , lifting each other. No one was a star, we were one team with one goal.
Best ambition and what's your message to young girls? AM- I want to wear the green and gold one day. I want to go overseas and play professionally, I will keep knocking until that door opens. To all the young girls regardless of where you come from, your dream is valid. Don't think because you are from small district you cant make it. Work hard, stay in school, listen to your coaches, pray and never give up. If I can do it, you can also do it too.