Mpumalanga volleyball star says sport can free her of poverty

Written by: Kgaogelo Letsebe

A YOUNG volleyball star shows that great things can be achieved through dedication and hard work, despite a person’s circumstances.

Karabo Sarah Mnguni (17), a Grade 10 learner of Sovetjheza Secondary School in Matshiding, Mpumalanga, has been selected to be part of the South African national volleyball team that will represent the country in Lesotho and Malawi. 

Mnguni, who started playing the game at the age of 12 in 2017, will take part in the Sixth Leg of the Zone VI Beach Volleyball Tour in Maseru, Lesotho, from 21 to 23 October 2022, and the Africa Union Region 5 (AUR5) games in Malawi in December 2022.

Speaking about her success, Mnguni says what first started as a hobby soon became a life-changing opportunity. “I started playing volleyball as an extramural activity in primary school for the Chivas Volleyball Club. I found myself enjoying it and I started putting hard work and dedication into becoming better. I was chosen for the Mpumalanga U/15 team earlier this year to represent the region in Durban and Cape Town.”

It was at the Cape Town tournament that Mnguni’s star shone. According to her coach and teacher, Moses Bhiya, she captained the team, which went on to secure a gold medal. She also won the Most Valuable Player of The Tournament award and was selected for the national volleyball team, alongside teammate Lindokuhle Langa.

Bhiya describes Mnguni as hard working and determined. “She is a dedicated, talented and energetic player. She’s also very teachable and determined to achieve more in volleyball.”

The entire Mpumalanga-based team works hard, despite funding and support challenges, Bhiya says. “We are struggling without enough equipment, such as balls, as well as transport to attend competitions. Sometimes, I cannot even take a full team to a competition, as some of the children’s families cannot afford to sponsor them. My wish is to have sponsors who will see the great work that these kids are doing.”

Mnguni would like to study sports management. “I want to be an inspiration to other children. I also want to become one of the country’s top players. I believe that through sport and education, I will be successful and get my family out of poverty.”