Robert Sobukwe Town(Formerly GRAAFF-REINET) – Nqweba Secondary School Grade 12 learner Joy-Ann Dampies has reached another major milestone in her promising netball career after being selected for the South African Development Squad following an outstanding performance at the Telkom Netball Championship (TNC) last week in Boksburg.
Dampies, who plays for the Morocco Eagles Netball Club in Asherville, impressed selectors during the national tournament after representing the Sarah Baartman District Under-19 team. She was one of only three players chosen from district trials held in Kirkwood to compete at the championships in Cape Town, where her talent earned national recognition.
Her selection marks another remarkable achievement in a journey that began on the streets of her neighbourhood, where she first played netball with friends. She later discovered her passion for the sport while attending Thembalesizwe Primary School, where she quickly established herself as a talented player and earned selection to the district team at the age of 14.
At club level, Dampies has been a key member of the Morocco Eagles Netball Club under the guidance of club manager Cynthia Jaftha, whose commitment to developing young athletes has helped the club achieve several successes over the years.
Her father, Marco Dampies, said his daughter’s versatility and game awareness has set her apart. “Joy-Ann has the ability to shoot accurately with both hands, uses her height to great advantage and reads the game exceptionally well,” he said. Her potential was first recognised during the 2023 Netball World Cup Trophy Tour when Eastern Cape (formerly MEC Kontsiwe) visited Robert Sobukwe Town and identified her as one of the province’s promising young talents.
Dampies also represented the Eastern Cape Schools Under-18 netball team at the national championships held in Boksburg,Gauteng last week. The team made history by securing a bronze medal—the province’s best-ever finish in the competition.
With her latest selection to the South African Development Squad, Dampies continues to inspire young athletes in Graaff-Reinet and the Sarah Baartman District, proving that dedication, hard work and community support can open doors to national success.
