CPUT Netball team members off to Sun City

The CPUT Netball team has cultivated a culture of holistic empowerment, culminating in the remarkable achievement of three members being selected for the Western Cape franchise, the Tornadoes, to compete in the upcoming 2025 Telkom Netball League.

This league begins this weekend at Sun City, showcasing the dedication and talent of CPUT players and technical staff as they embark on this exciting journey.

Ziyanda Mwezo, a 22-year-old third-year student: Bachelor of Education in the Intermediate Phase, has been chosen for goal defence and goalkeeping roles, showcasing her talent and determination. This selection reflects her hard work and passion, inspiring others to strive for their own goals.

CPUT Netball Ladies coach Babalwa Madikane has been appointed as the assistant coach of the Tornadoes. Meanwhile, CPUT Netball Ladies General Manager and assistant coach for both men’s and women’s teams, Aviwe Mgudu, was selected as the team manager. Ziyanda, who has been playing since Grade 4, “was fortunate to have a coach, Frank Xaba, who recognised my potential and encouraged me to try out for the defensive position. I am forever grateful for his guidance, as it has allowed me to develop my skills and grow as a player”.

Throughout her high school years, she had the opportunity to participate in the South African School Netball (SASN) tournaments, which helped her to hone her skills and gain valuable experience in competitive netball. Ziyanda, who tends to be shy around people she doesn't know well, began her university career in 2023 and was thrilled to be selected to play for the CPUT Netball A team. “This opportunity allowed me to take my game to the next level and compete against top-level opponents. I also met Babalwa Madikane, affectionately known as Coach Babes, who sharpened my defensive skills and served as my U21 Coach. Her guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in my growth as a player.”

She took part in the 2023 USSA tournament, which offered her a valuable opportunity to showcase her impressive skills and learn from other talented players. A highlight of her netball career was her selection for the Western Province U21 A team, allowing her to compete in the Spar National Championships. “This experience not only allowed me to represent my province but also gave me the opportunity to compete against the best young players in the country.”

In 2024, Ziyanda had an outstanding season with the Western Province Ladies Senior team, winning gold in both the Interprovincial tournament and the Spar National Championships. She was also selected to play for USSA and had the honour of serving as the captain of the CPUT ladies' team, which she described as both a privilege and a significant responsibility. In 2025, after two unsuccessful trials, “I was overjoyed to be selected for the Western Cape Tornadoes”. “This achievement is a testament to my hard work, dedication, and perseverance.”

Ziyanda, who is “somewhere between being an introvert and an extrovert”, says: “I'm still learning to navigate different social situations. Overall, I am thrilled to have achieved these milestones and look forward to continuing my growth and development as a netball player. I am excited to see what the future holds for me and [I] am committed to working hard to achieve my goals.”

Being informed that she was selected as the team manager for Western Cape Tornadoes “is truly a humbling and emotional moment for Mgudu. “It’s more than just an appointment, it's a proud milestone that takes me back to where it all began: the small villages of Matatiele, where I grew up”. She says this achievement represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering belief not just in herself, “but in the young people I’ve had the privilege to lead”. 

Through her journey with CPUT Netball and in the Western Province high-performance environment, she came to understand the value of discipline, teamwork, and building systems that elevate both athletes and support staff. She attributes her growth and achievements to the principles she learned at CPUT: resilience, humility, and never giving up. “The path hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the manager and leader I am today. At CPUT Netball, we’ve built a culture that believes in empowering players holistically, and I bring that same vision to Western Cape Netball.”

Madikane wouldn't have been chosen as the Tornadoes Assistant Coach if she weren't resilient or if she didn't push harder and stronger to achieve her goals, work hard, and if she weren't disciplined. “These few personal qualities brought me to this stage. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and never stopped showing up, so that makes me realise that our hard work doesn't go unnoticed. This is giving me hope that CPUT can produce more players who can participate in that platform.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za