No courts, no problem as Lady Bugs defy the odds to finish fourth at Fast Fierce 3v3 tournament
Babalo Mbulwana
Without access to proper training facilities, a determined group of young girls from Witsand, Atlantis, defied the odds to finish fourth at the Fast Fierce 3v3 netball tournament held at Cresta Shopping Centre in Johannesburg on Sunday, July 6.
The Lady Bugs, an under-13 team coached by Pozisa Mninimzi, faced tough competition but impressed with their speed, skill, and teamwork. The tournament’s fast-paced 3v3 format, featuring shorter matches and fewer players on the court, tested their agility and mental strength.
“Our training conditions are far from ideal. We practice on rough patches of asphalt, with no formal courts available. But these girls have shown incredible dedication and resilience,”said Mninimzi.
Preparation went beyond physical training. Mninimzi stated the importance of mental readiness, encouraging the team to build confidence, communicate effectively, and stay calm under pressure.“We reminded them that mistakes are part of the game, but it’s how they respond that matters most,” she said.
The community of Witsand rallied behind the Lady Bugs, providing crucial support such as transport funding and encouragement. Organisations like SANCO’s J.S Masakala Branch contributed to making the team’s participation possible.
“The support was overwhelming. Without the community’s help, we might not have been able to compete fully,” she said.
Despite the challenges of adapting to the new format, the Lady Bugs rose to the occasion, securing fourth place among eight top teams, a result that exceeded expectations.
“These girls are more than athletes, They represent hope, unity, and the power of perseverance,” she said.
The achievement is particularly meaningful given the lack of proper sports infrastructure in Witsand. For the Lady Bugs, the tournament was not just about winning but about proving that passion and hard work can overcome obstacles.
“Our victory shows that dreams have no postcode. Witsand girls can achieve greatness, even without formal courts. Believe in yourself, work hard, stay humble, and never let your circumstances define your potential,” she said.