“To date I have 42 medals and 10 trophies to my name; including ‘Best Player of the Year twice in a row, and three ‘Player of the Tournament’ awards. I have competed in soccer, netball, tennis and athletics, and it goes without saying that I was born to play. Is it fair to say I love sports?” Rosina Mohlapamaswi.
Meet 18-year-old Rosinah, who is currently in Matric. Rosinah started playing sports at the age of six when she was signed up for athletics at her school.
“It was the first time I ever won a medal and a sporting certificate – I had to feel like that again and I did”.
At the age of nine she started taking an interest in netball, and has not stopped playing since. During her high school career, she registered at Afrika Tikkun, Uthando Centre, with the hope of improving her academic and personal development.
There Rosinah was introduced to Coach Dominic Moitsi, “…Coach is also my mentor, he taught me everything I know about sports and life in general. Through his mentoring, I have met amazing people who have become like family to me”, she explained.
“Netball used to be my coping mechanism whenever I felt sad. I would just go downstairs and start playing with the children in my flat. They had no clue about the sport so I would pass around the ball and teach them the rules of the game, before I knew it, it would be dark and my mood would have improved”.
Rosinah decided long ago to pursue Sports Management at the University of Johannesburg.
“This is the only career path that will maintain my connection to my passion. I also love teaching and developing young people through sports; and so through this qualification, I will be in a position to offer mentoring and coaching to young people like myself.”
When she gets her degree, the world will be her oyster – and Rosina is dreaming big.
“I want to transform communities through sports and recreation. I believe that you have to start with the little things in order to make bigger moves and ultimately change the world
I would love to be the leading woman in sports in my community and eventually in the country, to represent my country like Caster Semenya”.
Rosinah has been recognised by Uthando Centre for her hard work and contribution to sports, her achievements include being awarded the ‘Best Centre Player’ twice and also receiving ‘Woman of the Match’ during a tournament.
She keeps all her medals and certificates to motivate her to go after her ultimate dream.
For more information on Afrika Tikkun and their initiatives call 011 325 5914, email info@afrikatikkun.org or visit www.afrikatikkun.org.