A local netball club based in Cloetesville has created a safe environment for young players, keeping them off the streets.
This is according to Carlene Petersen, head coach of the Black Pumas netball club. The club started in March of 2023 when Petersen’s daughter, Marnay Petersen (now 18), brought her friends to their apartment in Cloetesville, begging her mother to coach them in netball, said Petersen.
“I coached them on the slab, there by the apartments,” said Petersen. “That’s how we started.”
Neathen Amos (18, left), a player in the Black Pumas netball club’s senior squad, reaching to intercept the ball. One team is allowed three males, with a maximum of two allowed on the court at a time, while the other serves as a reserve, said Amos. Tammerin Jaars (17, center) plays for the senior team, while Menisa Standers (13, right) represents the junior team. PHOTO: Annemieke Thomaidis
One friend whom Marnay brought with her to practice was Jaron Langeveldt (16), said Petersen.
Joining the Black Pumas offers children like Langeveldt the opportunity to focus on positive recreational activities, according to Petersen.
“They support me in everything that I do,” said Langeveldt, in reference to Petersen and the Black Pumas.
Since Langeveldt joined, she has achieved various accolades in the sport, including sportswoman of the year in 2023 in the Winelands Netball League and in 2024 at Cloetesville High School, said Langeveldt.
Carelene Petersen, head coach of the Black Pumas netball club in Cloetesville, and chairman Vernon Petersen speaking to the team about the previous weekend’s game on 8 March. The club plays in the Winelands Netball League and has performed really well since its inception, garnering trophies in ‘player of the year’ and ‘sportsperson of the year’ categories, according to Petersen. PHOTO: Annemieke Thomaidis
Safety concerns in Cloetesville
The club has since grown to 40 players, evolving to ensure the children involved “are in a safe environment”, said Petersen.
“You can’t send them to the streets nowadays,” said Petersen.
To ensure the safety of the players, Petersen’s husband and chairman of the club, Vernon Petersen, arranges for regular police patrols in the surrounding area, said Carlene Petersen.
Portia Philander and her daughter Tammerin Jaars, both players for the club, walk through the so-called ‘red zone’ – crime hotspots – to get to practices at Cloetesville Sports Grounds. This is according to Philander, the oldest player of the club at 46 years old.
However, Philander said they will “keep on going… this Black Pumas ship will not sink”.
Members of the Black Pumas netball club in Cloetesville during their weekly practice at 17:00. The teams are split between u/13, u/15, and senior teams A and B.
Back (left to right): Lewshka Fredericks (19), Xylon Wanza (21), Portia Philander (46), Quilynne August (19), Carlene Petersen (40, head coach), Vernon Petersen (49, club chairman), Sheridan Cedras (23), Kayleigh Wilson (21), Jaron-lee Langeveldt (16), and Neathan Amos (18).
Middle (left to right): Lizelle September (16), Hayley Isaacs (16), Tammerin Jaars (16), and Marnay Petersen (18).
Front (left to right): Menisa Standers (13), Raylee Poole (14), Kevinechia Jonathan (11), and Donté Williams (14). PHOTO: Annemieke Thomaidis
Securing their first sponsor
“[The team] embodies passion, dedication, and community spirit,” said Morné Laubsher, area manager for Herotel in Stellenbosch, in correspondence with SMF News. Herotel started sponsoring the Black Pumas at the start of the year after noticing that the Petersens were putting their “hearts and souls” into the club, he said.
The club is set to receive new kits, 40 balls, a gazebo, feather banners, and have already received drawstring bags and water bottles, as part of the sponsorship, according to Laubsher.
“It means a lot to us,” said Langeveldt. “We are excited […] because we are kids that go to school, and aunty Carlene and uncle Vernon can’t pay out of their own pockets. We feel very honoured.”
Tammerin Jaars (16, left) and her mother Portia Philander (46, right) carrying their sponsored Herotel drawstring bags. The two have been playing with the Black Pumas netball club in Cloetesville since 2023, according to Philander. PHOTO: Annemieke Thomaidis