Simphiwe Jennifer & Unity Ndhlovu
Middelburg — The Legend 40 Plus National Netball Tournament brought together women aged 40 and above from across South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini at the Kees Taljaard Netball Courts in Middelburg.
Tournament Coordinator, Wendy Dipou Papolle, said the event was established to encourage women to participate in sports for their physical and mental well-being.“As women, we’re managers, businesswomen and mothers but we often neglect our own wellness and hobbies,” said Papolle.
“This tournament gives us an opportunity to focus on our physical health while inspiring younger women to take sports seriously. We’re also creating a support space for mothers because motherhood is not an easy journey.”Papolle said this year’s tournament, playing from 13-15 November 2025, featured 30 teams from South Africa and neighbouring countries.
Papolle said the tournament aims to send a strong message to women who are not yet active in sport to prioritise their health.“We are living in a time when illnesses like diabetes are common. Through this initiative, we want to motivate women to take care of themselves; get active and enjoy the benefits of being physically fit,” she said.
Papolle also acknowledged that women over 40 often face challenges in accessing sporting platforms. “The biggest challenge is support especially from spouses and balancing family responsibilities while still making time for self-care,” she explained.
From Botswana, Oratile Mathibidi, a player for the Silver Eagles team, said it felt rewarding to compete alongside other active women her age. “It feels great to still be competing at 40. Meeting other women who are still active is refreshing,” she said.
Mathibidi shared that she has played netball since her youth and tournaments like these rekindle her passion for the sport. “Every time we play, that energy I had when I was young comes back. It motivates me to keep going,” she said, adding that she maintains balance by training on weekends while dedicating weekdays to work and family.
Another participant, Margaret Garenamotse from the Borataboloto team, also from Botswana, said participating in the tournament is not only enjoyable but also vital for women’s health.
“It’s a wonderful experience competing at this age. It keeps us fit and gives us a chance to interact with other ladies,” she said. “We are living in a time of many illnesses, and one of the best ways to stay healthy is to stay active.”
She added that she manages her commitments through effective time management. “I work during the day, train when I get home and then spend time with my family,” she said. “I’ve been a netball player for as long as I can remember and it’s something I truly enjoy.”
