Tragedy struck over the weekend after three netball players part of the Eastern Cape’s U21 district as well as their coach passed away in a bus accident whereby the vehicle overturned near Aberdeen. The team were on their way to Cape Town for the 2021 SPAR National Championships. The event is still going forth despite the losses.
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Further investigations revealed that four of the passengers were trapped under the blue Marcopolo bus, which was found lying across the road on its side blocking both of the lanes, as IOL reports.
In expressing her condolences on behalf of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, chairperson, Ms Beauty Dlulane also urged the need to professionalise netball in South Africa.
“The set-up is too amateurish if the expectation had been that these athletes will travel for 17 hours by bus and expected to perform on arrival,” she expressed.
The bus was carrying 34 occupants including the driver and his assistant and was transporting two teams and their officials. Four people remain in critical condition, but a number of players who were also injured in the overturning of the bus, have been discharged.
The people who lost their lives have been confirmed as coach Nocamagu Mvunyiswa and players Phelo Charles, Indiphile Mfengu and Thabisile Maxikika.
The decision to go forward with the event which started on Monday at D.F Malan in Bellville came from what Netball SA president Cecilia Molokwane expressed that is cannot risk not going forward with the tournament in n light of preparations for the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and for the Netball World Cup in 2023.
Ms Dlulane addressed the event’s ongoing by noting that it would be preferable for the tournament to be rescheduled, but if the tournament does go ahead, those who passed away should be remembered with a due ceremony before each game.
Mthethwa’s statement read: “My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. This tragic death of these athletes is indeed a serious blow to the nation and netball, which is a fast-growing sport.
“These athletes were destined to participate in one of the tournaments that were meant to select future stars ahead of the 2023 Netball World Cup scheduled to take place in Cape Town.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this difficult period.”
Meanwhile, condolences are also being sent to the families of the three matric students who lost their lives in a car accident near Maalgate Bridge on the N2.
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Picture: Topend Sports
