Netball Proteas oldest player Phumza Maweni won’t be pressured into retirement

At 39 years old, this seasoned goalkeeper boasts an impressive record of over 100 international caps, with participation in three World Cup tournaments.

 She expresses bewilderment at the persistent inquiries about her retirement, particularly in favour of younger talents.

Maweni asserts her intention to continue playing the game until the age of 45, emphasizing her desire to pursue what she loves most, and urges others to let her follow her passion without interference.

"I don't know why people are worried about my retirement because this is confidential. No one should say I have to do it, it should come from my heart to stop netball. I cannot just sleep and wake up and say, now I'm done," Maweni said.

"If I'm still strong, I can still go and play. I can say I still have five more years. There are youngsters coming in so I think for them to come while I'm still active, it's a good bonus for the players and share what I learnt with the experience I have with those players before I step off. So, I think for me while I'm still active, it's my job to help the youngsters and then when I step off at least there's no gap."

Maweni is adamant that her wealth of experience will prove invaluable to budding players at high school and university levels, given the distinct differences between amateur and professional setups.

Her intention is to assist them in transitioning to the senior ranks and acclimating to the demands of the higher level of play.

"It is important because obviously these guys playing National Champs, Varsity [Netball], their set up is not the same. So, to come into our setup it's totally different. So, they need someone who's already in the setup. Someone who's gonna guide [them] like a leader. I think that's what we doing as leadership in the Spar Proteas setup."