Read the special edition newspaper for Classic Clash between Hoërskool Cradock vs Gill College here. Filled with team photo’s, interviews and all the action.

We caught up with Anovuyo Sixolo, the first-team netball captain from Gill College to hear her thoughts on pre-season preparation, team goals, and what it means to lead with passion and purpose.

What are your team’s biggest strengths, and how do you plan to capitalise on them this season? One of our biggest strengths is our unity and the trust we have in each other. We’ve really mastered playing as a team and uplifting one another. This season, we plan to capitalise on that by maintaining a high-tempo game and applying pressure early on. When we play as one, we’re unstoppable.

What does it mean to you to lead your school’s netball first team? Being captain of the first team is a huge honour and a big responsibility. It means being a role model, supporting my teammates, and leading by example both on and off the court. I want to inspire confidence in my team and make sure every player feels valued and motivated. Knowing they trust me to lead and represent them is a privilege — and it drives me to be more disciplined, more focused, and better for them. They’re worth it.

How would you describe your school’s netball culture, and what makes it unique? Our netball culture is built on integrity, dedication, sportsmanship, and pride. What makes it unique is the way we support each other — not just in the first team, but across every grade. We’re more than teammates; we’re a family. That bond is clear on court. Win or lose, we give it our all… though winning is always a bonus!

What are your main goals as a team for this season? Our main goals are to build consistency, strengthen our mental toughness during close matches, and grow together as a team. We want to develop strong communication and deepen the trust we’ve built on and off the court.

Which fixture excites you most, and why is it significant? The fixture I’m most excited for is our derby against Cradock High School. It’s always a high-intensity game — a real test of our skill and teamwork. It’s significant because it brings our school community together and shows just how passionate we are about the game. It’s more than a match; it’s a moment.

Which netball player or sports figure do you look up to, and how has their career influenced your approach to the game? I really admire Bongiwe Msomi for her intelligence and composure under pressure. Watching the way she reads the game and leads with calm authority has inspired me to stay focused and composed, especially in high-stakes moments. She’s shown me that leadership is just as much about mindset as it is about skill.

Anovuyo Sixolo,

Ons het ook met die afrigter van dié span, (Tersia Marsh ) gesels:

Wat kan die skool en ouers hierdie Interskole van julle span verwag? Opwinding — met ’n goeie kans vir ’n staande applous!

Hoe berei julle span in die week tot aanloop van Interskole voor? Ons fokus op die basiese beginsels. Deur dit reg te kry, bou ons selfvertroue en stabiliteit vir die wedstryd.

Waar sou jy sê lê julle krag hierdie jaar? In ons samesyn — en in ’n span wat eenvoudig nooit opgee nie.

Wie het die grootste invloed op jou as afrigter gehad? Is daar iemand na wie jy opkyk? Sandra du Plessis het ’n groot invloed op my gehad en is beslis iemand na wie ek opkyk.

Watter boodskap dra jy aan jou span oor net voor hulle die baan betree? Wees positief, geniet elke oomblik, en gee net jou beste.