In the world of South African netball, few names resonate with as much passion and dedication as Nandi Buthelezi. Once a fierce competitor on the netball court, she now stands at the forefront of the industry in a pivotal sponsorship role at PUMA South Africa, a brand deeply invested in growing women’s sport.
Nandi’s life is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and purpose in the world of sport. We sat down with her to explore her story and how she is now impacting netball from behind the scenes.
Nandi’s path to success wasn’t paved overnight and her entry into the world of sports didn’t begin on the corporate ladder, but rather on the courts of her youth. “My journey into sports has been quite exciting. It all began in high school when I discovered my passion for netball. I soon realised I had a talent for the sport, representing Johannesburg Central, West Rand, in district netball and my university [University of Johannesburg] UJ.” she shares, reflecting on her early days.
Growing up in a sports-loving family, she was drawn to netball, a sport that soon became her passion and gave her a sense of belonging. It was in these formative years that Nandi discovered her knack for leadership and management, traits that would carry her beyond the court. “Pursuing my interests further, I studied BA Sport Communication and later obtained a BA Honours in Sport Management. During my studies, I engaged in various voluntary projects that introduced me to the sports world and the opportunities it holds. I led projects, organised tournaments, and gained exposure to sports media.”
Her early experiences on the netball court competing at higher levels helped Nandi understand the importance of support systems. This understanding would later fuel her desire to give back to the sport in a different capacity. “Driven by a strong sense of ambition and a belief that you can excel in multiple areas, I ventured into media and journalism.”
After hanging up her netball shoes, Nandi found herself drawn to the business side of sports, where she could still make a significant impact, “I worked as a social media officer and had the privilege of being a sports presenter for South Africa’s first grassroots women’s rugby show. In parallel, I managed two sponsorship accounts at my previous job. This experience sparked my passion for the business side of sports and has been a key factor in propelling me into my current role at PUMA South Africa.”
As someone deeply embedded in the sport, Nandi keeps a close eye on the players and teams lighting up the netball scene.With the ongoing Varsity Netball tournament taking place in South Africa, for Nandi, Varsity Netball is a platform that grooms many rising stars that further go to dawn national colours in their careers. “Varsity Netball plays a significant role in the growth and development of women’s sport in South Africa.” Varsity Netball Fixtures
“Many of the top players who now represent the national team and compete in leading leagues worldwide, have emerged from this tournament. Additionally, the tournament's visibility is enhanced by [Television] TV broadcasts and the involvement of sponsors, which underscores the value and impact of the event.” Said the former UJ player.
However, she knows there's still room for improvement, saying: “For the future, I would like to see even greater investment in the tournament, both in terms of broader media coverage and increased sponsorship. This would further elevate the profile of women’s sport and contribute to its continued growth and development.” Varsity Netball Updates
For someone who has experience both as a player and working behind the scenes, it can be a difficult transition for many, but what keeps Nandi motivated in her career and in life? It’s simple: she thrives on passion and her support system. “My motivation comes primarily from my family. Their unwavering support and enthusiasm for all that I do, whether it’s joining me in sports activities, watching games, or staying active together through jogging and long walks, are incredibly inspiring.”
“Additionally, my drive for success plays a crucial role. I am relentless in pursuing what ignites my passion and fuels my ambitions, approaching challenges with fearlessness and determination.”
Though netball is her first love, Nandi is a sports enthusiast through and through. “I have a broad interest in various sports, including rugby, cricket, and basketball, though in my upbringing I was primarily exposed to netball and football.”
“Outside of netball, I have been enjoying rugby and cricket. In rugby, my favourite team is the Bulls Daisies Rugby Team. They have achieved back-to-back Women’s Premier Division championships. Their efforts are significantly advancing both the game and women's sports overall.”
“As for cricket, my experience with the SA 20 League earlier this year was truly exciting. Being at the stadiums allowed me to appreciate the sport. I have several favourite players and have been fortunate to work with some of them. Their remarkable personalities and work ethic have deepened my interest in the sport.”
As she wraps up the interview, Nandi leaves a final message for the next generation of female athletes: “One significant life lesson I've learned through sports is the value of resilience. In the past I faced numerous setbacks in my netball career, especially during team selections when I didn't always make the final cut. These moments were disheartening, but they taught me an important lesson: When one door closes, another opens. It's a reminder of the beauty in trusting both God and the universe and believing that you are exactly where you need to be.”
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