The ever-growing profile of the WSU basketball program continues to inspire following yet another player selected from within its ranks to represent the national squad at an upcoming continental competition.
Following superb performances for WSU at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Games held in Gqeberha last year, Keatlegile Ramorwesi was selected to represent the national team at the upcoming Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) Games set to be held in Malawi from August 28 to 3 September.
“I’m truly ecstatic to get an opportunity to represent my family and my country at this level of competition. I’m honoured and humbled that I’ll be sharing the court with the most talented teammates in the country, and I’ll be going up against the most talented opponents in the continent,” said Ramorwesi.
The diminutive point guard, who hails from the North West province in a small village from the Rustenberg area, said she’s always been ready for this moment owing to her persistency in working hard as well as an unrelenting toil in striving to be a better player.
Ramorwesi first picked up a basketball at the age of 13 after several visits to the local court with her brother, after which, she began practicing on her own before receiving before being spotted by her brother’s coach who’d later start coaching her.
“One thing I love most about basketball is that it not only builds character, but it revels whatever character that might have been lying dormant. Basketball teaches people to work together achieve a common purpose – a trait that can be applied in one’s everyday life,” she said.
WSU ladies basketball coach Sibusiso Williams, who’s been instrumental in the monumental growth of the sport at the institution, said he was elated at the prospect of young Ramorwesi dawning the famous green and gold national colours.
Providing a surgical analysis of the player, Williams described her as an asset both offensively and defensively – a utility player that can be used in three positions depending on the system and tactics of the team on match day.
“This selection bears testimony to the dedication and hard work this incredible player has put into her craft – extra hours of gym work and long individual sessions perfecting the technicalities of the game. She’s a natural leader on and off the court and always strives to inspire and encourage her team during challenging times,” he said.
Ramorwesi’s selection follows last year’s selection of all-star Olebogeng Matabane and Giovanni Jafta, who were selected to represent the national team at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games which took place in China’s city of Chengdu in June last year.
He said the current upward trajectory of the sport at the institution needs to be underpinned by investment into resources within the sport so that a lot more other players can realise their dreams of representing their national team.
By Thando Cezula
