IBUKUN BENEDICT

DURING THE LAST week of Term 1, the U13A Netball Team attended the ITEC Netball tournament at Bloemfontein Primary school. The learners were accompanied by their coach Miss Nobiel Kifuabala and their manager Mrs Therona Jones.

Schools from all over the country, even as far as Port Elizabeth and Pretoria, attended the tournament. In total there were 18 U13A netball teams. 

Every morning started with a hotel styled breakfast and lots of giggling and talking around the table. The girls were pumped and very excited to be part of such a big event. Even their war cry stood out from the other teams. Netball is not their only talent.

On the first day they realised that it was going to be a big mountain to climb but with the help of their excellent coach they excelled and played beautiful netball. They played 8 games in total of which they won 3 and drew 1. 

At the end of the tournament they left with tired bodies, but very happy hearts.

The U13 netball  and Hockey teams have the amazing opportunity to attend. All Girl’s every year to meet and play against girls from schools all over South Africa.

The National All Girls’ Festival was hosted by Clarendon Primary School in East London this year from the 25th to 27th of March. 

Learners, coaches, educators and parents came together on the first evening for an electrifying opening ceremony. Despite the drizzle, everyone performed their war cries. St. Michael’s girls shouted their war cry and danced in the rain. Although it was cold and wet, it was a beautiful evening that made everyone excited for what lay ahead.

The sports teams were eager to play against other schools but nervous at the same time. The St Michael’s U13 Netball Team played a total of 5 matches on the first day. The hockey matches did not go well, but this did not dampen their spirits. Both teams were motivated and determined to improve and have fun the next day. And they did!!!

On the way to East London there were singing, laughing and eating, but NO SIGN of sleeping in the bus. Everyone was in awe of the beautiful scenery at the East London beachfront and the Kennaway Hotel was beautiful. Each of the hotel rooms had a sea view. The breakfast every morning was to die for and it was definitely one of the highlights of every day.

Saturday it was back to business. There were 8 U13A netball teams taking part in the festival. St. Michaels played 7 matches, won 4, drew 1 and lost 2. The following 2 days were filled with stress, tears, hugs, screaming, nail biting, running, jumping and lots and lots of joy and laughter. 

In between 7 gruelling netball matches there was fortunately time for a swim in the sea, building of sand castles and making new friends.

The teams came back to Bloemfontein, stronger and wiser and ready for all the league matches of Term 2.

During Term 2 the Grade 1 – 3 teams played in mini – netball festivals. They did exceptionally well. 

After the first festival rained out, there were many sad faces. Luckily a week later the weather gave them a chance and 3 netball days later everyone could see that SMS had Proteas in the making.

Games were played at Curro, Onze Rust Primary School and Bloemfontein Primary School.

Thanks so much to our 3 coaches, Maryna, Thando and Lothabo, who are working so hard to teach the little ones all the netball skills.