ABIGAIL JACK OF ALL TRADES

In this edition, we chat to multi-talented netball and volleyball player Abigail Simelane.
She plays for the forceful Correctional team. Abigail, who is also His Majesty’s Correctional Services’ drum majorette, tells us about the fears she had before her first flight, her friends and her wish to holiday in Bali, Indonesia.

The mother of one also opens up about how important it is to appreciate our mothers as tomorrow we are celebrating Mother’s Day.

SPORTS DESK: Who is Abigail Simelane?
ABIGAIL SIMELANE: I am a hardworking person who strives for success in everything that I do. Be it either work, sports or in my personal life.
SD: When did you join Correctional Sunrise netball team?
AS: I started playing netball for Correctional in 2011 and joined the volleyball team in 2014. The highlight of my career was when we won the Zone VI Club Championships held in Durban with the volleyball team last year in December. Another achievement worth mentioning was when we were received the National Sports Award for the Team of the Year on March 30 this year.
SD: If you were not involved in netball and volleyball, what other sport would you be playing?
AS: I think I could play basketball.
SD: What is your dream car?
AS: I love Mazda CX-3
SD: What kind of music do you listen to?
AS: I love gospel and house music. I love Nothando’s Yebo. This song reminds me of my mom; she likes it too.
SD: Which church do you go to?
AS: Malkerns FEA
SD: Who is your best friend?
AS: I have many friends but Todwa Malinga and Londiwe Mhlanga are very close to me.
SD: Five things we didn’t know about Abigail?
AS: I’m a mother, God-fearing go-getter, ever smiling, businesswoman.
SD: What is your favourite holiday destination?
AS: Bali, I have seen pictures of that place in Indonesia; it’s really a beautiful place I wish to visit one day.
SD: What is your favourite TV programme?
AS: Utatakho which plays on Mzansi Magic. I like that reality programme because it’s very touching.
SD: Who is your role model?
AS: Gcinile Nkambule.  She inspires me because she is a focused, determined and a disciplined person. I look up to her. She plays for Correctional Sunrise Volleyball and Netball team.
SD: What is your favourite dish?
AS: Spaghetti with Chicken
SD: What book are you currently reading if any?
AS: I am not a fan of books but only read newspapers and magazines.
SD: Misconceptions people have about athletes?
AS: People like to ask me like “Can you survive a day without training?”...It’s like some people think we are always at training or our life revolves around sports. We have a life outside sports.
SD: Which is worse...getting dumped or dumping someone?
AS: Dumping someone is worse because you suffer post-dissonance.
SD: What is your preferred birthday present?
AS: Anything from a loving heart is okay with me...but spa treatment can be lovely.
SD: How do you unwind?
AS: By being alone and listening to music.
SD: What are plans after retirement?
AS: To be a fitness coach and help other athletes to shine.
SD: How many countries have you visited through sports?
AS: I have been to many countries in Africa. I travelled to Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. In December 2017, I went to Singapore with the national netball.
SD: Out of all the countries you have visited, which one you wished you could have stayed longer?
AS: Singapore. I wish I can go back there and maybe stay for a month or two.
SD: What was your family’s reaction when you first started playing competitive netball?
AS: My mom was not happy at all because I used to come back late from school due to training.
SD: Biggest fear(s) in life?
AS: Losing my job as a Correctional officer.
SD: Give us one quote that guides your life?
AS: Failure is the mother of success. I am not afraid to fail until I succeed.
SD: First time you board a flight, how was the feeling?
AS: I was so scared because I heard people saying it is was very scary...I didn’t even eat properly that day but only to find that it was a pleasant feeling and I enjoyed the entire trip to Singapore.
SD: Words of advice to the youth who looks up to you?
AS: Discover your talent and work hard and ask for God’s guidance.
SD: Tell us about the name Abigail? What is the meaning?
AS: Hahaha.. I really do not know...I guess my mom named me after someone she admired.
SD: Any celebrity you have met in person.
AS: Yes, I have met this guy from Generations The Legacy, Kumkani and I was blown away. We took pictures with him unfortunately those pictures got deleted.

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