21/07/2026
Article 347 : Nolene Lucinda Katlego Coetzee: Chasing Excellence Through Netball, Education, and Faith
Born and raised in Mandela Park, Bronville, Welkom in the Free State, Nolene Lucinda Katlego Coetzee is an ambitious student-athlete whose journey reflects resilience, determination, and a passion for making a difference both on and off the netball court.
Nolene attended Golden Park Primary School before earning a sports bursary to study at Welkom Gimnasium High School, where she successfully completed her matric in 2024. After taking a gap year, she is now studying Language Practice at the Central University of Technology (CUT). Although it was not her first-choice qualification, she remains focused on her long-term dream of pursuing a career in law, with the goal of becoming a lawyer who supports victims of gender-based violence and substance abuse while advocating for safer communities.
Her love for netball began at the age of 11 through informal games played on soccer fields, pavements, and at school. However, one unforgettable moment changed everything-making her first interception as a Goal Defence (GD) during primary school. Her passion did not go unnoticed. Her primary school coach, Tshepiso Rose Mathosa, believed in her potential so much that she bought Nolene her very first pair of netball shoes, a gesture that strengthened her commitment to the sport.
Nolene's talent continued to flourish throughout primary school, where she was named the Best Netball Player while also receiving academic awards, proving that she could excel both in the classroom and on the court.
When she moved to high school, her journey took an exciting turn. After impressing her coach with a remarkable long-range goal from the edge of the shooting circle, she transitioned from Goal Defence to attacking positions, becoming a Goal Attack (GA) and Goal Shooter (GS). Today, she proudly describes herself as an all-round player capable of playing every position except Centre, joking that she is still building the stamina needed for that demanding role.
She represented Welkom Gimnasium's first netball team for two consecutive years during Grades 11 and 12. Despite the challenges of balancing matric studies with competitive sport, Nolene remained disciplined by carefully managing her time until balancing academics and netball became second nature.
Currently, Nolene represents the Central University of Technology Ixias Under-21 and Senior teams under the guidance of coaches Thembeni Mere, Nonhlanhla Ndwalane, and Kgosi Diale. Before joining the university, she also developed her game with Jaguars Netball Club in Bronville under coach Tshidi and later continued with another Jaguars team coached by Nonhlanhla Ndwalane.
Her ambitions are as impressive as her work ethic. Nolene dreams of one day playing professionally for either the KZN Stars or Sonoblomo, earning her debut for the South African Proteas, and representing the country at the Commonwealth Games. She also has aspirations beyond netball, hoping to compete internationally in javelin after unexpectedly discovering her talent in the event during her high school's athletics competitions. She qualified for the championships at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein and finished in an impressive fourth place.
Throughout her sporting career, Nolene has celebrated several notable achievements. She was part of the Lejweleputswa League-winning CUT team, represented Free State Netball while in Grade 11, played for Welkom Gimnasium's first team for two years, and helped Jaguars win the Matjhabeng Netball League-a team affectionately known as the "Coconuts of Netball." She also finished fourth in the provincial athletics championships in javelin and is preparing to compete at the upcoming national netball championships in Cape Town.
Nolene draws inspiration from several outstanding netball players, including Thulisile Maduna, Nozipho Ntshangase, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, and Rolene Streutker. However, her greatest sporting inspiration is Jamaican defender **Latanya Wilson** of the Adelaide Thunderbirds. She admires Wilson's composure, defensive dominance, and relentless work ethic, qualities that continue to motivate her own performances on court.
Whenever setbacks arise, Nolene relies on her faith to keep moving forward. She believes in praying, learning from every challenge, and trying again until she succeeds. The unwavering support of her mother, family, coaches, and former teachers, Juf Cloete and Juf Groenewald, has played a significant role in shaping both her sporting career and her personal growth.
"Netball is not only a game played by 14 players on the court. It is about upliftment, support, love, care for one another, and true sportsmanship. The ability that God has given us to play netball and other sports is an incredible blessing. I hope and pray that we all eventually reach the dreams we have always worked for."
With her talent, faith, academic ambition, and determination to uplift others, Nolene Lucinda Katlego Coetzee is building a future that extends well beyond the netball court. Whether in sport, education, or community service, she is determined to leave a lasting impact and inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams without fear.
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