Charlie, an angel of the game

Charlie Masetla (middle) and the netball players during training at Soshanguve Block CC sports complex.

 

Alfred Makhubela

Netball has been seen as a female dominated sport but Charlie Pheagane Masetla’s passion has turned him into a renowned netball coach in Soshanguve.

Born in Walamstal, the former Jomo Cosmos development side player who is now a warrant officer was introduced to netball 13 years ago by local netball legend Elizabeth Mathibela who encouraged him to overcome the odds and be part of the female dominated sports.

“Mrs Mathibela introduced me to this sport, I fell in love with it and within a month time I was a netball player”, said Charlie.

The former TUT netball coach is currently the head coach of Charlie’s Angels, a netball team which he founded in the year 2000 and has coached them ever since.

“The love for the game and these kids has kept me going with this team for over a decade”, he added.  He is also the coach of Regional team, Cluster Team and Police netball team

Under the leadership of Masetla, Charlie’s Angels have become a renowned team winning prestigious tournaments including Soshanguve District Netball Association (SODINA) League a record 8 times, Tshwane Challenge 3 consecutive times and Love Life Games 3 times in succession.

 He is seen by his team as an influential figure in their lives. He uses netball to impose positive attitudes on girls, advising them to be responsible netball players. 

“Our coach is not just an ordinary coach, he’s a role model, a father who helps with problems such as abuse, teenage pregnancy and how to be responsible. He is one of the important people in our lives”, said 18 year old Nomphelo Ngcingwane, under 19 captain.

The ardent coach encourages boys to play netball despite being female dominated. “Boys should play netball, it is a wonderful sport. I have a boy’s netball team and I have seen potential in them.” he said.