A POWERFUL and lovely woman in sport. That’s how Bongiwe Msomi first describes herself, without hesitation. She also adds that she is a proud partner to Raeesa Abdulla.

The SPAR Proteas Captain will be leading the South African team at the much anticipated Netball World Cup taking place next month.

Born and bred in the township of Mpumalanga (widely known as Hammarsdale), Durban, Bongi, as she is affectionately known, grew up in a strict home.

“My dad was a community leader, very well respected. Sport was not big at all back then. We did more cultural activities like Zulu dancing. Discipline and respect at home were the core values.”

Even though her father passed away in 2008, she and her seven siblings still live by the values instilled by her parents to this day.

Bongi is currently part of the Telkom Netball League as Captain of the Gauteng Golden Fireballs.

“This is the highest level of competition in our country where all the World Cup Squad Players are participating as part of the last preparation for the World Cup. All is going well so far and I have been pretty pleased with my personal performances and fitness so far.”

How did she end up playing netball professionally?

It was in 2011 that she got selected to represent the SPAR Proteas in the World Championships in Singapore. The national selection never stopped from there and she then had the opportunity to go and play for a club, Surrey Storm, overseas in 2015.

“This call was through a Facebook inbox message where Tamsin Greenway (Ex England Roses Player, Surrey Storm Player-Coach at that time) asked me to join the club. After a while, I accepted the offer for a season. From there, it all went really well!”

She continued playing and leading the national team, SPAR Proteas, played for Wasps Netball in England for two seasons and Adelaide Thunderbirds in Australia for a season.

“That was probably one of the most exciting highlights of my netball career! Such a learning experience on and off the court, and it was a much needed confidence booster.”

Netball has enhanced Bongi’s life tremendously and given her opportunities to explore other aspects of herself. She has found true joy within the sport.

“The sense of family feeling I get, especially where I started with my Coach back home in Hammarsdale. I always had a support system even outside my family through Netball. I’ve seen first hand how netball can change one’s life through guidance, support and opportunities!

This for me is what I take from the sport and will always hold dear to my heart. Through this, I’ve learnt to love the sport and the competition. I’ve learnt to grow from the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities to discover myself continuously and to live limitlessly.”

In addition to being the Captain of the national team, Bongi is also a Netball Manager and Coach at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). She is the founder of the Bongi Msomi Legacy Project, a Roc Nation Sports International athlete, a Puma athlete, Score Drink and Telkom Stand Tall Campaign Ambassador.

While she has achieved so much, she did not always see herself as a leader, growing up.

“I have always enjoyed working with people and wanting to help where I can while showing them respect. When it comes to leadership, I don’t think there’s an exact way of leading people, every situation calls for a different type of leadership. Some situations require you to involve everyone and get their opinions, and other situations require you to give direction. Knowing the fine line between the two and being unbiased is what separates a leader from a great leader.

Personally, I prefer to be respected than liked because with respect comes understanding and value in my teachings.”

Bongi adds that she is the kind of person who holds integrity at the highest level. “All I know is what you see is what you get.”

A day in the athlete’s life starts around 6am with some gym and conditioning. From 9am to 6pm she will take on her role as manager and coach at UJ then follow with training from 6pm to 8pm with her Fireballs teammates.

“If I do not go to the gym in the morning, I workout after training when I get home. Luckily I have my mini gym room and it helps so much. Basically, I have late nights as I also have to fit in my UJ admin, my project work and recovery routine. There is definitely not enough time in the day,” she says.

It is also important to make time for rest, Bongi stresses. With netball being such a physically intense sport, taking care of herself has become a major priority.

“I haven’t always been disciplined with rest and recovery but through the level of intensity the sport brings, and the exposure and experiences through opportunities, I have learnt the importance of rest and recovery and have prioritised it in my training programs.”
Women’s sports in South Africa hasn’t always been given the recognition it deserves but Bongi feels like netball is finally starting to get it.

“Investment in women’s sport has grown tremendously. However, there’s still a lot of room for growth. Women’s sport needs long term sponsorships to invest in the growth of the sport. I have seen big corporations show up to major events however, do not continue their investment within the sports afterwards. Inconsistent sponsorships do not allow development and sustainability for the longevity of the sport.”

Bongi adds that netball, as a massive sporting code, is underrated for both male and female participants.
“The sport has a great number of participants world wide and we are constantly learning. There’s room for growth through the opportunities that constantly arise, the rules adaptations and the potential careers within and through the sport.”

She sees netball being recognised as an Olympic sport in the next few years.

The lessons she has learnt from the sport have strengthened her character in many ways. “I have learnt that I am more than who I perceived myself to be before the sport. The sport has shown me that I have a lot more to offer and my potential is limitless. It gave me the room and the opportunity to mould Bongi and stand for what I believe in.”

Speaking on her relationship with her partner Raeesa, Bongi says life as an almost married couple has made life so much easier. They have done the second of the four steps of the Zulu wedding which is Umembheso. The Two last steps will then be the lobola part and the actual wedding ceremony.
“I have the most amazing partner who is very loving, understanding and supportive. My life is mainly on the road. This alone can be tough for most relationships. With her support, I am able to focus on netball and work, knowing that home and the project’s admin is fully taken care of.
It makes our relationship easy because we both enjoy the sport. Although she’s too lazy to train, she won’t miss an opportunity to support and take photos and videos of me while training. She is definitely my biggest fan!”

Outside of netball, Bongi winds down by spending time at home with her family.
“I relax, watch netball, eat nice food and I love shopping too.”
She has also discovered a keen interest in trying new things as the recent media shoots have opened her up from her shyness.

Her hidden talent? She is a motivational speaker of note and the message she has for young women who dream of becoming as great as her is: “Do not be misled by the glitz and glamour of what you see now. There is a lot of work being done behind the scenes for many years; late nights, challenges and sacrifices. It’s the positive mindset, commitment, passion and continuous hard work behind the scenes that will set you apart from the rest. Your drive and determination will determine your path in your journey.

She is most inspired by God, life and the opportunities that come with it.
“I wouldn’t tell my younger self anything that I know now because I am made from my experiences, both the positive and the negative. Every encounter has added to the person I am today. I am blessed.”

When all is said and done, Bongi wants to be remembered as someone who competed and led with honour both on and off the court.

Credits

Editor-in-Chief & Producer: @BonnieMeslane

Photographer: @AustinMalema of @_RTCStudios 

Creative Direction: Lesego Kgosimolao & Bonnie Meslane

Wardrobe styling: @advicebykgosilesego 

Styling team: @bokangbatloung @iseng @mrsuave_dastylista 

Makeup: @CarolineGreeff & @Tumimbangi

Hair: @laid_by_lolo 

Photography Team from @_RTCstudios: Henry King  Digitech

Nkateko Masinga Lighting Director

Tyrone Jhns Retoucher 

Khotso Tsaagane Assistant

Tshepo Zitha Assistant

Production Assistant: @TumiMbangi

Studio: @NewKatzstudio