Former Limpopo Baobabs captain Nthabiseng Mothutsi went to Saudi Arabia to conduct some coaching courses, and got the shock of her life landing their national netball team job, tasked with helping set up structures in a sport that is still little known in that country.
Still only 30, and starting to branch into coaching with lower-tier South African side Lillies, Mothutsi had thought she would continue playing into her mid-30s. But the opportunity was too good to pass up.
Mothutsi is making history being the first South African to step into a major coaching position in the Middle East.
She has long been dedicated to developing young talent and advancing netball at the foundation level. Despite her experience being limited to playing the Telkom Netball League without earning a national cap, she demonstrated her leadership abilities by captaining the Baobabs into the top flight in 2023. A year later, she shifted her focus to coaching, taking the reins as the coach of the Lilies, who are playing in the lower tier of the TNL.
She revealed that her new role in Saudi Arabia was initially meant to focus solely on helping introduce netball to the country. However, upon her arrival, she found herself stepping into a much larger role. She will attempt to assemble a national team in a country where there is no professional league, and play an assisting role in setting up better netball structures.
“Zanele [Mdodana, the Spar Proteas' assistant coach] and I were called for a three-month probation period from December 2023 until March this year — it was up to us if we want to come back and work with the initiative of introducing the sport to the country. I thought I was coming back to resume my previous duties, but when I got the call-up of being a head coach it was a bit of a shock,” she said.
“I thought I was going to play until I was 35 years old, but I guess with growth comes a lot of shifts, priorities change, the greens get bigger, and the vine is wider.
“Yes, I am used to coaching in the TNL, but being on a bigger stage to me was a bit scary. I guess big things come to those who work hard and have the drive and those who want to grow. I was very honoured to be presented with this opportunity.
Mothutsi explained that while there is no professional netball league in Saudi Arabia, she will face her first challenge with the country's national team soon.
“Saudi Arabia does not have a league yet, they just have a few people that play the sport, and they want to introduce the sport and make it bigger. They have registered to play in the Asian Cup this month.”
Mothutsi is breaking barriers. She expressed the importance of her opportunity — she hopes it can help achieve broader recognition for South Africa's netball coaching talent.
“I have always believed I am a history-maker, and as young as I am, I'm still capable of being an example and drawing a path for people, and even if I don't make it, I must knock on that door so that even if my time is up the doors will be open for someone else to go in.
“Being part of this whole thing is an honour. I am saying this with a grateful heart because I never thought this opportunity would land on me and it would be me who came and raised the South African flag so high, especially looking at the calibre of the coaches we have in the country.
“And it shows you do nothing more than hard work, passion, respect, kindness and humanity. For me, I know it doesn't take a lot from a person that just wants to do what they love, and I am grateful to set an example for the coaches and the upcoming coaches.
Fifty years from now, when you see girls wearing Hijabs on the court playing it's going to be because years ago there was a lady that came from South Africa and helped the Saudi Arabia produce this great feed that is now booming and everything is so well organised.
— Nthabiseng Mothutsi
“I somehow downplayed my move here, but I sat down and realised the impact I am making in this country. They don't know what netball is — I am starting from scratch with both kids and adults. I have to put up a structure for this whole country, starting from schools, in the universities and in offices, and I have to articulate.
“I must represent my country because in the end everything I do will result in history being made, it's going to lead to my name being attached to the fact that Saudi Arabia has netball today because of Nthabiseng Mothutsi.
“Fifty years from now, when you see girls wearing Hijabs on the court playing, it's going to be because years ago there was a lady that came from South Africa and helped the Saudi Arabia produce this great feed that is now booming and everything is so well organised.”
Even with her new responsibility in Saudi, Mothutsi is adamant that she will finish the job she started with the Lillies in the TNL.
“This is not the end for me and the Lillies; given the performance they gave this year, I've seen amazing things happen in that team, things that I never thought would happen in that team. I have seen them fight for each other, win individual accolades, play draws and score margins getting smaller in each game we played and I don't think I want to let them down in that regard.
“I want to continue with them and see them do even greater things next year. From next year we need to continue with that attitude and dedication.”
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