Known to fans as a sharp and dependable shooter for the SPAR Proteas and the Gauteng Golden Fireballs, Ngubane’s journey is shaped just as much by her life off the court as her performances on it. Born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, her experiences have been anything but easy. Growing up in a household of four siblings under the care of a single mother, stability was something she did not always know.
“I have three siblings, and growing up was really tough,” she reflects. “Not having a father figure in the house was challenging, but my mom was always there for us.”
The family moved around frequently during her early years, searching for a place they could finally call home. When that stability eventually came, so too did the discovery of something that would change her life forever. SPAR Proteas Test Squad
“Once we finally found a stable home, I began pursuing netball,” Ngubane says. “It became my escape and a way to cope with what was happening at home.”
Netball quickly transformed from a pastime into a lifeline. For a young girl navigating uncertainty, the court became a safe space — a place where discipline, teamwork and belief replaced fear and doubt.
Her mother, like many parents, was initially cautious about the idea of sport as a future. But for Ngubane, netball was never just a game.
“My mom was a single parent, and I promised myself that I would find something that gave me purpose,” she explains. “When I fell in love with the sport, I started thinking about where it could take me. At first, my mom didn’t fully believe it was possible, but I understood her perspective as a parent.”
That sense of responsibility — to herself, her family and her dreams — has defined Ngubane’s rise through the ranks. She progressed through district and provincial structures, attending trial after trial, often facing rejection before opportunity.
“There were moments of disappointment, but I never gave up,” she says. “Over the years, I continued to be invited back, kept working hard, and stayed focused. From then on, I’ve been grinding and today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
Before committing fully to netball, Ngubane explored other sporting avenues. Like many young athletes, she enjoyed being active and testing her abilities across different disciplines. But netball stood apart.
“I tried a few different sports growing up, but netball stood out because it challenged me both physically and mentally,” she explains. “I loved the pace of the game, the teamwork involved and the way it pushed me to grow as a player.”
The speed, physicality and tactical demands of netball spoke to her competitive spirit, while the connection with teammates gave her a sense of belonging. It was a school coach who first saw her potential clearly and encouraged her to pursue the sport seriously — a pivotal moment that shifted her mindset from participation to ambition.
Today, Ngubane is a familiar name in South African netball circles. With 12 caps for the SPAR Proteas and consistent performances for the Gauteng Golden Fireballs in the Telkom Netball League, she has established herself as a reliable and dynamic Goal Attack, capable of influencing matches with intelligence and composure.
Yet, for Ngubane, success is not measured only in caps or goals scored.
“I hope fans see my passion, determination and commitment to the game,” she says. “I want to be known as a hardworking player who never gives up and always plays with heart and purpose.”
Those qualities will be crucial as South Africa prepares for a highly anticipated Test Series against England at Ellis Park from 29 January to 1 February 2026. Facing one of the world’s strongest netball nations is both a challenge and an opportunity — and one Ngubane is embracing fully.
“I’m excited about testing myself against world-class opposition and learning from the experience,” she says. “Playing against England is a huge opportunity, and I’m looking forward to growing as a player while representing my country with pride.”
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