GOLDEN ARROWS STAR PHILANI SHANGE EXCELS IN NEXT CAREER , using netball as a vehicle to empower young people and strengthen communities.
Please find the full press release below for your consideration.
Leading Beyond the Court: How PEP mini Netball’s Nomachule Nyathi Is Making a Difference Through Sport
, using netball as a vehicle to empower young people and strengthen communities.
Please find the full press release below for your consideration.
Leading Beyond the Court: How PEP mini Netball’s Nomachule Nyathi Is Making a Difference Through Sport
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Nomachule Nyathi serves as the Provincial Manager of the KwaZulu-Natal Schools Netball Committee under South African Schools Netball (SASN) and plays a key role in the PEP mini Netball programme. Passionate about grassroots sports and community development, she is dedicated to creating opportunities for young people through sport and believes every child deserves the chance to participate, develop and thrive both on and off the court.
Beyond netball, Nyathi is deeply involved in community development and serves on several leadership structures, including the Ugu Civil Society, Moral Regeneration Movement, Netball Forum, and the Senior Citizens Forum at both district and provincial level. Through these platforms, she continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people of all ages.
Alongside her community work, Nyathi also serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial netball structure, where she plays an active role in supporting the growth of the sport. She believes strong leadership and collaboration are key to creating lasting opportunities for young players and coaches.
For Nyathi, sport has always been about more than a competition. Having participated in various sporting codes herself, including senior citizens’ soccer, she understands the role sport plays in bringing communities together, building confidence and encouraging lifelong participation.
Through the PEP mini Netball programme, she is inspired by the opportunity to nurture young players while supporting coaches who play a vital role in developing the next generation of talent. She credits PEP’s continued investment in grassroots netball as one of the driving forces behind the programme’s growth and success.
Beyond her leadership roles, Nyathi enjoys supporting learners in her community, often helping them with their homework whenever she has the opportunity. She believes investing in young people extends beyond the netball court and that guidance, encouragement and education all play a significant role in helping them reach their full potential.
When she is not working, Nyathi enjoys travelling to various parts of the country, embracing the opportunity to experience new environments, meet new people and learn from different communities. She believes these experiences help her grow as a leader and bring fresh perspectives to the work she does in both netball and community development.
Reflecting on what motivates her, Nyathi shared: “As the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Manager for the PEP mini Netball programme, I am passionate about nurturing young people through netball. I am grateful to be part of this programme and thankful to PEP for their tireless support. Their commitment inspires me to continue growing the programme and creating opportunities for young players across our communities.”
Looking ahead, Nyathi hopes to continue expanding the reach of grassroots netball across KwaZulu-Natal while strengthening partnerships that will create even more opportunities for young people to participate and thrive through sport.
image.png
Nomachule Nyathi serves as the Provincial Manager of the KwaZulu-Natal Schools Netball Committee under South African Schools Netball (SASN) and plays a key role in the PEP mini Netball programme. Passionate about grassroots sports and community development, she is dedicated to creating opportunities for young people through sport and believes every child deserves the chance to participate, develop and thrive both on and off the court.
Beyond netball, Nyathi is deeply involved in community development and serves on several leadership structures, including the Ugu Civil Society, Moral Regeneration Movement, Netball Forum, and the Senior Citizens Forum at both district and provincial level. Through these platforms, she continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people of all ages.
Alongside her community work, Nyathi also serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial netball structure, where she plays an active role in supporting the growth of the sport. She believes strong leadership and collaboration are key to creating lasting opportunities for young players and coaches.
For Nyathi, sport has always been about more than a competition. Having participated in various sporting codes herself, including senior citizens’ soccer, she understands the role sport plays in bringing communities together, building confidence and encouraging lifelong participation.
Through the PEP mini Netball programme, she is inspired by the opportunity to nurture young players while supporting coaches who play a vital role in developing the next generation of talent. She credits PEP’s continued investment in grassroots netball as one of the driving forces behind the programme’s growth and success.
Beyond her leadership roles, Nyathi enjoys supporting learners in her community, often helping them with their homework whenever she has the opportunity. She believes investing in young people extends beyond the netball court and that guidance, encouragement and education all play a significant role in helping them reach their full potential.
When she is not working, Nyathi enjoys travelling to various parts of the country, embracing the opportunity to experience new environments, meet new people and learn from different communities. She believes these experiences help her grow as a leader and bring fresh perspectives to the work she does in both netball and community development.
Reflecting on what motivates her, Nyathi shared: “As the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Manager for the PEP mini Netball programme, I am passionate about nurturing young people through netball. I am grateful to be part of this programme and thankful to PEP for their tireless support. Their commitment inspires me to continue growing the programme and creating opportunities for young players across our communities.”
Looking ahead, Nyathi hopes to continue expanding the reach of grassroots netball across KwaZulu-Natal while strengthening partnerships that will create even more opportunities for young people to participate and thrive through sport.
14 July 2026 – The Engen Knockout Challenge has long been recognised as the tournament where many of South Africa’s football stars first made their names. Today, it is also becoming the stage where former professionals begin a new chapter – this time from the technical area.
That journey was on full display at the eThekwini leg of the 2026 Engen Knockout Challenge, where former Lamontville Golden Arrows winger Philani “Dribbling Wizard” Shange guided AmaZulu FC to the boys’ title, demonstrating that his influence on the game extends well beyond his playing days.
Speaking after guiding Usuthu to the title, Shange said coaching has allowed him to give back to the sport that gave so much to him.
“The reason I decided to begin this coaching journey after my playing days is because I was once a player and a student of the game. I learnt a lot during my playing career, and I developed a deep love for the game. After retiring, I decided to give back to the boys who are coming into the football profession and those who still dream of becoming professional players. I wanted to guide them so that they don’t make the same mistakes we made as professional players. Today, I am very proud of the boys”, said Shange.
Shange is among a growing number of former professionals who are using the Engen Knockout Challenge to develop their coaching credentials while mentoring the next generation of football talent in one of South Africa’s most competitive youth football environments.
Also making an impact on the sidelines was former Orlando Pirates and Free State Stars defender Ayanda Gcaba, who led Senzokuhle FC as well as Former Moroka Swallows, Manning Rangers and Russian club FC Rostov midfielder Japhet Zwane who was head coach of Trouble Tigers
The presence of former professionals on the touchline reflects the enduring legacy of the Engen Knockout Challenge. While the tournament continues to provide a platform for talented young players to be identified, it is equally creating opportunities for retired footballers to grow as coaches and pass on the lessons gained throughout their careers.
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Pretoria, South Africa (7 July 2026) – As South African families continue to seek affordable ways to spend quality time together outside the home, Burning Arrow Spur has opened its newly relocated restaurant in Queenswood, Pretoria. The restaurant is a proud family-run business spanning generations, with Jacques Marais continuing the legacy built alongside his father, Frikkie Marais, whose long-standing involvement and commitment to the local community remains an integral part of the business today.
The new Burning Arrow Spur offers far more than a place to enjoy a meal. Designed around a vibrant space-inspired Play World, the restaurant creates a sense of adventure, imagination and joyful escapism for children while parents relax and enjoy Spur’s much-loved menu of burgers, ribs, steaks, chicken and family favourites. The immersive environment transforms an ordinary family outing into an experience filled with discovery, excitement and connection.
A standout feature of the restaurant is its expansive indoor Play World, where children can explore, play and create lasting memories at no additional cost.
Play World highlights include:
LED Wave Slide: A bright, visually striking slide that quickly becomes a favourite among young adventurers.
Active Zones: Trampolines, swings and obstacle challenges that encourage movement, coordination and active play.
Toddler Area: A dedicated, age-appropriate space where younger children can explore safely and confidently.
Woven Play Module: An innovative play feature that delivers a unique climbing and exploration experience, adding another layer of adventure to the Play World.
More than just a restaurant, Burning Arrow Spur reflects a family legacy built on genuine relationships and community connection. Over the years, the business has become a trusted gathering place for local families, schools and community groups. Today, Jacques and Frikkie continue to nurture those relationships while creating new opportunities for families to come together.
“Families are looking for places where children are welcomed, parents can relax, and everyday occasions can become moments of connection and joy,” said Vuyo Henda, Chief Marketing Officer of Spur Corporation. “The new Burning Arrow Spur has given us the opportunity to create an even more engaging family destination for the Queenswood community, combining great food, meaningful connection and an exciting environment where children can play and families can spend quality time together.”
The grand opening was celebrated with a community-focused event that included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, children’s entertainment and special offers for the opening week. Local families were invited to explore the upgraded restaurant, experience the new Play World and enjoy a variety of family-focused activities.
In addition, Burning Arrow Spur launched neighbourhood activations involving nearby schools, family centres and community groups. These initiatives created opportunities for residents to share their family stories and engage with the brand during this exciting new chapter.
In today’s competitive dining environment, family venues are redefining what it means to offer memorable experiences. The new Burning Arrow Spur has been designed as a place where great food, joyful play and meaningful connection come together — creating moments that families will remember long after they leave.
Burning Arrow Spur remains committed to offering an affordable, family-friendly destination rooted in tradition, community and genuine relationships — a true reflection of its legacy and future.
For more information, please visit: https://www.spursteakranches.com/za
ENDS/
For media enquiries, please contact:
OnPoint PR | Lungile Nyembe | lungile@onpointpr.co.za
About Spur Corporation:
Spur Corporation is a leading casual dining franchised restaurant group with outlets across South Africa, Africa and Mauritius. The Group’s portfolio includes beloved brands such as Spur Steak Ranches, Panarottis, RocoMamas, John Dory’s, The
Hussar Grill, Doppio Zero, Casa Bella, Pizza e Vino, and Modern Tailors – all committed
to deliver exceptional dining experiences
