By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Sasha-Lee Jansen Van Rensburg, Provincial Manager of the Limpopo Schools Netball Committee under South African Schools Netball (SASN), is helping shape the future of grassroots netball by empowering coaches and creating opportunities for young girls to develop their skills, confidence and passion for the sport through initiatives such as the PEP mini Netball programme. 📸 Supplied / PEP mini Netball. Photo Credit: Supplied
LIMPOPO – In communities where access to sporting opportunities can often be limited, one passionate netball leader is helping ensure that young girls are given every chance to dream bigger, play harder and reach their full potential.
Sasha-Lee Jansen Van Rensburg, Provincial Manager of the Limpopo Schools Netball Committee under South African Schools Netball (SASN), is making a lasting impact on grassroots sport by empowering coaches and creating pathways for young girls to discover their potential through netball.
Driven by her lifelong love for the sport, Sasha-Lee believes that the foundation of every successful athlete is built during the early stages of development. Her mission is simple but powerful: to help as many young girls as possible fall in love with netball while building confidence, discipline and life skills that extend far beyond the court.
For many young players in Limpopo, the journey into sport is not always easy. Limited resources, a shortage of trained coaches and a lack of development opportunities often create barriers that prevent talented youngsters from fully exploring their abilities.
Rather than accepting these challenges, Sasha-Lee has dedicated herself to addressing them by strengthening coaching structures and ensuring that young athletes have access to positive sporting experiences from an early age.
“Young girls need role models, encouragement and opportunities to grow,” says Sasha-Lee. “When coaches are equipped with the right skills and knowledge, they can create environments where players not only learn the game but also develop confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.”
Her commitment has found a powerful platform through the PEP mini Netball programme, a nationwide initiative focused on developing grassroots netball and empowering coaches who play a vital role in nurturing future talent.
The programme has provided Sasha-Lee with an opportunity to share her expertise with local coaches while encouraging them to strive for excellence in mentoring the next generation of players.
She believes initiatives such as PEP mini Netball are essential because they create opportunities for young girls to be introduced to the sport in a structured, supportive and enjoyable environment.
“Many young girls are introduced to netball through programmes like these,” she explains. “They learn the fundamentals of the game, build friendships and create positive memories that can inspire a lifelong passion for sport.”
Sasha-Lee also emphasises the critical role coaches play in keeping young athletes engaged.
Without trained and motivated coaches, she says, many children could lose interest in sport before they have the opportunity to discover their true potential.
Her work is about much more than developing athletes. It is about building stronger communities, creating opportunities and inspiring young girls to believe in themselves.
Reflecting on her involvement in the programme, Sasha-Lee says her greatest reward is witnessing young players embrace the sport she loves so deeply.
“My goal is to truly have as many little girls fall in love with the sport that I love. As someone who was and still is in love with netball, I’m grateful to be part of these young players’ journeys,” she says.
As South Africa continues to invest in grassroots sport development, leaders like Sasha-Lee Jansen Van Rensburg are proving that meaningful change often starts at community level. Through passion, dedication and a commitment to empowering others, she is helping young girls across Limpopo aim higher, dream bigger and build brighter futures through netball.
Her story is a reminder that when communities invest in sport, they invest in the leaders, champions and role models of tomorrow.
