South African male netball player Edward Manyathela is ready to take on Australia and New Zealand at the FAST5 Netball World Series in Christchurch, New Zealand. As a key defender, Edward brings his skills, experience, and passion to the South African team. We caught up with him to discuss his thoughts on the tournament, his role as a defender, and the exciting future of men’s netball in South Africa.
Source: Netball Media
Hey Eddie. So, we guess the first questions are: How is Christchurch? And how are you feeling ahead of the series that starts tomorrow?
Christchurch is a lovely city, the weather is great. I am feeling a bit nervous but very much excited for the upcoming series. The atmosphere in our camp is great. The team is fired up and can’t wait to take court.
Last year, Netball South Africa chose to send the U23 Men’s team to the FAST5. This year, they have created a mix of both younger and more experienced players. Do you think this will have an impact on how South Africa performs against New Zealand and Australia?
Last year, the U23s really left a mark in this tournament. They gave glimpses of what men’s netball in South Africa is like. This year, having the experience will showcase the full brand. The seniors will add leadership, composure, and maturity to the already talented team, making sure that the error count is less.
You’re heading into this series as a key defender. What does it mean to you to represent South Africa on the international stage?
It is a great honor to be representing my country as a defender at this level. I am going to bring in a different style of play that will definitely challenge the Aussie and Kiwi shooters to think differently.
The FAST5 format is fast-paced and intense. As a defender, how do you prepare for the unique challenges of this game style?
FAST5 requires a lot of speed, agility, and tactical thinking from the defenders. It’s key for defensive players to read the game well and to prepare for anything, including how to attack. During the week here, we have trained ourselves on all of these aspects to meet the demands of this intense format of netball.
You also participated in the Americas Netball Men’s Championships in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2022. What were some key lessons you learned there that you will bring to this year’s FAST5 tournament?
The biggest takeaway from the St. Vincent tour is that international netball is a different ball game. We need to come mentally prepared for anything when playing against other countries because talent alone is certainly not enough.
You won Best Defender at this year’s Males National Championships. How did it feel to receive that award, and what do you think has been the key to your success in defense?
Winning the Best Defender award was amazing for me; all credit to God for giving me the strength and ability to keep working hard on the court. Discipline is essential in defense, and adapting to the umpire’s whistle early helps keep me in play most of the time, rather than being out. Another important aspect is good collaboration with teammates, which reduces the workload and creates more opportunities to contest for the ball.
Source: Eddie Manyathela’s Instagram Account
Men’s netball is gaining a lot more visibility and support in South Africa. How have you seen the sport evolve over the past few years, and what excites you most about its future?
Men’s netball is evolving fast. The dynamics in South Africa are looking so much better than in most countries, and credit must go to the current leadership of Netball South Africa. I am very grateful to be part of the growth that has happened in our country. Hopefully, we can play in the next Commonwealth Games, and maybe even a World Cup, so netball can become an Olympic sport—because that’s the aim at this point.
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 young male netballers looking up to you, what advice would you give them about pursuing their goals in the sport?
I would encourage the upcoming players to dream big and never back down from the sport they love. The road won’t be smooth, but it’s worth it in the end. Don’t cheat training, because performance will cheat back as karma.
As Edward Manyathela prepares for the intensity of the FAST5 Netball World Series, his focus and commitment to the game stand out. He’s ready to give his all on court, bringing a blend of skill, strategy and heart to the matches. South Africa (and the netball world) is eager to watch him perform once again on the international stage.
