Khanyisa Chawane

Khanyisa Chawane
Image by LevergyPR

Exclusive: Spar Proteas star Khanyisa Chawane eyeing World Cup glory

Spar Proteas player Khanyisa Chawane wants to make the nation proud and says they are not under pressure as Netball World Cup hosts

Khanyisa Chawane

Khanyisa Chawane
Image by LevergyPR

As the major sponsor of the South African national netball team, Telkom recently launched its World Cup campaign.

Dubbed the #StandTall initiative, it features the likes of Chawane as ambassadors ahead of the global showpiece in South Africa.

The highly anticipated 2023 Netball World Cup tournament will be staged in Cape Town between July and August – Chawane exclusively speaks to The South African about the sporting code.

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KHANYISA CHAWANE SETTING SIGHTS ON NETBALL WORLD CUP GLORY

While they have qualified for the biggest netball spectacle not on only as hosts but among the top five in world rankings, Chawane said they are not under pressure. She revealed her mission is to make the nation proud.

“I don’t necessarily feel any pressure, we are top five in the world, which already shows how competitive we are and can be at the same time, so I’m more excited about what the team can show this year,” Chawane continued.

“Going into the World Cup, my ambitions are team-based; I want to give my best and be consistent to help the team achieve what we planned to achieve as a team. I want my best to be more than enough, and that will come with a lot of effort.”

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KHANYISA CHAWANE TOUCHES ON BEING A STAND TALL AMBASSADOR

She mentioned various aspects, such as what her rise in sport has been like and why it’s important to inspire young girls to play their part in various sporting codes.

Additionally, the 27-year-old Tzaneen-born star stated that the rise of social media usage means youngsters may lose their morals.

“In our current society the youth is heavily influenced by social media and what defines societal norms. So, an initiative like #StandTall takes a different route as it encourages the youth to stand for what they believe in and fight for their dreams – specifically themselves,” she added.

“It is also important to educate the youth especially young girls to do what they love and to not let gender stereotypes prevent them from achieving their goals. 

“Being a Stand Tall ambassador for Telkom, allows me to share my hardships and challenges with the youth and allow the success I have achieved in netball and other aspects of my life to act as a testament of what you can achieve when you remain dedicated to your dreams.”

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KHANYISA CHAWANE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SPONSORSHIPS

As recently announced by the telecommunications giant, the partnership with Netball South Africa has been extended by a further three years as of last month. There’s no doubt Khanyisa has welcomed the news.

 “Telkom’s sponsorship continues to contribute to the development of netball in South Africa, especially from the grassroots level,” she said.

“Through this sponsorship, Telkom is part of providing the Protea squad with all the necessary support which ensures the growth of South African netball and its players.

“Such sponsorships, like this year’s TNL kit sponsor PUMA, is an investment as it not only provides an opportunity for these brands to grow and expand but it also provides a positive yardstick for other brands to partake in the development of women.”

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