Whilst we’re all staying safe looking forward to easier times and in anticipation of the 2020 Telkom Netball League season, we reached out to last year’s (2019) best defender, Simoné Rabie from the North West Flames, to hear how she’s doing and to get to know her a little bit better.
Some background information before we get the questions going.
Nickname: Rabie
DOB: 14 November 1997
Place of birth: Pretoria
Place of residence: Potchefstroom
Height: 1.85cm
Position: GK/GD
NSA: Hi Simoné, tell us, how did it feel when you learned you were the 2019 Telkom Netball League Best Defender?
SR: I felt honoured and so blessed being the Telkom Netball League’s best defender, as the competition was so tight and there were many great defenders playing in the league. It was an absolute dream come true.
NSA: Apart from winning best defender, what were your playing or Telkom Netball League tournament highlights?
SR: There were many highlights from the 2019 TNL. The greatest highlight for me was every time I stepped off court, I felt great about my own as well as my team’s performance. There wasn’t one game, that I didn’t give my all. We also made so many memories that will last forever.
NSA: How did your netball story begin?
SR: I started playing netball from a very young age, dreaming of representing my country. From there I’ve been training hard, and used every opportunity I got to play netball. In school, I started playing U/19 Gauteng North, and from there many doors opened for me.
NSA: Any people who’ve played a major role in your career development thus far?
SR: I think every coach that has coached me up until this day, has played a big role in my development. When coach Dorette Badenhorst used to coach NWU, she made me a stronger player and person in general. I took a year off from netball in 2018, and realized that was the biggest mistake. I then started playing for coach Elsje Jordaan, and I honestly don’t think I could’ve returned to any better coach. She motivated and believed in me, and I’m so thankful for her.
NSA: Do you have a five year plan? If yes care to share?
SR: I’m not sure what my netball future holds, but I would not mind playing overseas in the next five years, for now I’m also focusing on my last year of academics.
NSA: How have you been keeping busy during this period of isolation?
SR: I still get up early morning as part of my usual routine, and start with my academics. Luckily we have more than enough assignments to keep me busy, and I train late afternoon or maybe twice a day!
NSA: And in a world with no isolation? When you’re not training or playing netball, what is it you get up to?
SR: I love being active and outside the house. I mostly go to the gym when I don’t have training, and to me, there’s nothing better than being on a golf course on Sundays. 😊
NSA: Who thus far has been your toughest opponent(s) and why?
SR: For me, Ine-Mari Venter has been my toughest opponent to play against when she still played domestically, she has a very long reach and a huge jump.
Rapid Fire – Simoné’s Favourite
Player or Role Model: Sharni Layton
Exercise or Drill: Diamond – every flames player will know 😉
Meal: Rotti wrap 🤤
TV Show or Movie: I don’t really watch too much TV or movies, but if I must say, my favorite movie will be “Five Feet Apart”.
Song: Home Sick – Kane Brown
Book: Romances
App: Instagram
Holiday: Mosselbay
Quote: “Work hard in silence, let success be the noise.”
NSA: What skills are important to be an all round good goal keeper?
SR: Reading the game and also working the ground with your feet – having quick feet.
NSA: Any advice out there for netballers currently playing or who would like to get into the sport?
SR: Don’t fear other people’s opinions in this sport. There will be many opinions, but believe in yourself and if your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough…
Thanks Simoné, looking forward to seeing you and the rest of the Telkom Netball League players back on court soon.
