Outgoing skipper Bongiwe Msomi has announced her retirement from netball and is leaving a lasting legacy for the Proteas national side.
Msomi announced the end of an era on Thursday and revealed her plans, saying this is the start of bigger things to come.
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The KZN-born netball star and former Proteas skipper, Msomi, called time on her netball career days just after head coach Norma Plummer stepped down after losing the Vitality Netball Series against England.
Msomi was also part of the 2023 Netball World Cup that was staged in Cape Town in the past few months and said she was grateful to her coaches.
OUTGOING PROTEAS SKIPPER MSOMI ON HER LEGACY
She said the decision to retire from professional netball came after careful consideration while expressing that she was grateful to lead the national team.
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The 36-year-old Msomi made her international debut in 2011 and her leadership qualities saw her being appointed as the team’s deputy captain in 2013.
In 2016, Msomi was then elevated to a captaincy role for that year’s Quad Series tour to New Zealand and Australia.
“The decision to retire comes after careful consideration, but I am so grateful that I can make this announcement with a full heart, knowing that I leave the SPAR Proteas and South African netball in a very healthy space,” Msomi said per IOL.
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“I am eternally grateful to all the coaches, colleagues, and teammates who have played instrumental roles during my career – there are too many to mention, but you know who you are! Thisha (Mr. SG Mncwabe).
“I will forever thank you for seeing the talent in me and going the extra mile in making sure I become more than just an athlete in netball.”
MSOMI CREDITS EX-PROTEAS COACH PLUMMER FOR BELIEF IN HER
Additionally, the talented former Proteas skipper, Msomi, thanked her coach, who also stepped down from her role this week.
“I would like to make a special mention of coach Norma Plummer, who took lots of time always from home (at her age) to be of such great influence in our country,” added Msomi.
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“You are such an inspiration to me, and you definitely kept me going on the court much longer than I thought I might have.
“From you, I learned how to lead selflessly, as well as to see, love and understand the in-depth part of coaching, and to appreciate the sport even more. Thank you for everything you’ve done for netball in our country.
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“You and your team have been awesome.”
On her future plans, Msomi said she would remain an ambassador for the sport, while also taking time on her humanitarian and philanthropic endeavours.
