South African goal shooter Shane Labuschagne returns to the FAST5 World Series, aiming to bring home a medal. From winning the Sky Fans’ Player of the Series award last year to leading Ekurhuleni to gold at the National Championships, Shane has had an impressive year. We caught up with him before the tournament to discuss his goals, his inspirations, and what it’s like to represent South Africa on the international stage.
Ok, so you are back in New Zealand for the FAST5 World Series, representing South Africa. You are going to be playing Australia and New Zealand again. What has changed since the last time you played in Christchurch?
It feels quite different, to be honest. Last year, there was almost no expectation—we were just there to soak it all in. This time, it feels like we’re here with a goal in mind, and that’s to reach the final. We are desperate for that gold medal.
Last year you won the Sky Fans’ Player of the Series award. How exactly do you improve on that? 🤣
Haha, that’s a tricky one! I do feel much more pressure this time because people want to see me perform and take those long-range shots. It’s not always easy, especially with the pressure piling up, and I’ve heard the other teams are going to be gunning for me. But we’re a well-balanced side, so that will help take some of the workload and pressure off me.
The FAST5 World Series in New Zealand last year was a historic moment for South African men’s netball. What was it like to represent South Africa on that stage, and how did it feel to be part of the first men’s side in the competition?
It was a dream come true to be on the first South African men’s FAST5 team at a World Series. Running onto the court for the first time, I didn’t even look into the crowd—I was just overwhelmed with excitement, anxiousness, and stress all at once. It was amazing!
You also played in the South African Men’s Championships this year for Ekurhuleni and won gold! How was that tournament, and how was it (especially as vice captain) for you and the team to win gold again?
There was a lot of pressure on us since we were labeled as favorites. That comes with great responsibility and makes it even harder to perform because every team is gunning for you. We had a slow start, but we showed up when it mattered. Big-match temperament plays a huge role in netball, and the team delivered when it counted. I’m so proud of them!
You’re also vice captain for the FAST5 team. With the spotlight on you now, do you feel any added pressure to perform? How do you handle the expectations of being a rising star in men’s netball?
Being vice captain doesn’t add pressure for me, thanks to the great leaders we have in our team. Everyone knows their role, so it makes it easy to stay grounded. I just try to live in the moment and not think too far ahead—that helps me stay calm under pressure.
Your journey in netball began by watching your mother and sister play. Can you tell us more about those early memories and how they inspired your love for the sport?
It actually took a while for me to fall in love with the game. At first, I didn’t enjoy watching, but over time, it became a routine. When I saw mixed teams at the action netball courts, I decided to give it a go. The shooting caught my attention, and I just fell in love with the game. Now, there’s no looking back!
As you prepare to compete in the FAST5 tournament in just a day and a half, how are you feeling, and what’s your focus going into the competition?
I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves! I really want to go out there and perform well. My focus is to see the team gel when it matters most, because I know we have a winning team this time.
How’s the team feeling? How are preparations going for the tournament? What’s the atmosphere like right now as you head into the tournament? Are there any specific strategies you’re focusing on to take on strong teams like New Zealand and Australia?
The team atmosphere is fantastic! Everyone is full of energy and confident. Our preparations have been great; we’ve had loads of training sessions, and we played the Jamaican Ladies and South African women’s teams, which went well. It’s not about the wins; it’s about building connections and trust. Our main strategy is focusing on our own strengths and weaknesses rather than on the other teams.
With male netball gaining more visibility, what advice would you give to young male players who look up to you and dream of representing their country one day?
The players before us paved the way, and it’s an exciting time for male netball. My advice? Never back down from your dreams. I started playing ten years ago, and I always believed opportunities would come. If you work hard and believe in it, you’ll make it happen.
As a shooter, what’s your strategy for staying consistent and effective under the pressure of the FAST5 format, where every shot counts even more?
Practice is key! Consistency comes from taking as many shots as possible. Building up for this tournament, I tried to take multiple shots throughout the day whenever I could. That’s the only way to stay consistent.
Just For Fun
Who’s the funniest in the team?
William, by far! Everything he does makes me laugh.
Q: Who’s the best dancer in the team?
Fred! We had a media day, and even the camera staff said he was amazing!
Q: Who’s the most dramatic in the team?
I love Eugene, but I have to say it’s him! You should have seen him in an ice bath—the whole of Christchurch heard him!
As Shane Labuschagne prepares to take the court once again, South Africa will be cheering for him and the team. With the drive to succeed and the passion to inspire, he’s poised to make an impact in this year’s FAST5 World Series.
