Newly-elected Netball SA president, Mami Diale is poised to usher in a new era for the sport. Picture credit: NSA
By Moyahabo Mabeba
The new sheriff is in town and dares to take netball in South Africa to loftier heights.
Newly-elected Netball South Africa (NSA) president, Mami Diale is adamant to usher in a new era for the national game, driven by an unparalleled depth of experience.
Having served in various responsibilities at top-flight level of the sport for some years, Diale’s longevity places her at a strategic position to bring sweeping changes within the corridors of power at NSA.
Diale ascended to the top echelons after the unceremonious elimination of former president Cecilia Molokoane who is now tossed to the wilderness.
Diale has vowed to take the current responsibility by the scruff of her neck.
“I am greatly honoured and humbled by the council members who selected me and my colleagues to lead netball forward. We aim to restore integrity and transparency by implementing programs that empower members and support the organisation’s growth. Our priority is to rebuild, address gaps, and ensure players remain at the centre of our plans,” Diale said during an interview with gsport.
Diale says that being a woman who holds the position of president at a national federation means she has a job to identify ways to help NSA grow to its full potential.
“It means recognising members’ unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. I believe in inclusivity and that collective growth is achieved through mutual respect and shared vision.”
Diale has held a position in every facet of netball; she has played the game, been an umpire, and a coach, and now she holds the top job when it comes to the sport, a record that solidifies her as a leader of the game.
She says that holding a leadership position as a sports administrator has taught her the importance of people.
“As a people-centred leader, I understand that members appreciate being served and understood. I value the importance of meeting each member at their individual level.”
The NSA boss says that her coaching career has taught her valuable lessons that she hopes to use in her capacity as president.
Diale said she is committed to capacity building initiatives and continuous mentoring to ensure more women are given roles in sports leadership.
“I was a coach at a young age, and it was at the grassroots level, and I have learned that sport and netball can change the lives of players. It can boost confidence and give potential players a better future, and keep them off the streets.”
Diale is of the opinion that in a bid to ensure more women are given roles in sports leadership, it’s important to be consistent with initiatives put in place.
