The essence of true sporting recognition often lies in the respect of one’s rivals, and for University of Johannesburg (UJ) Netball Captain Cornelia Mupenda, that respect has translated into a prestigious accolade. Following an outstanding campaign in the Varsity Netball 2025 tournament, Mupenda was honoured with the Suzuki Player’s Player of the Tournament award, a trophy voted for by her peers across all competing teams.
She won four FNB Player of the Match awards (R1,500.00) in the eight matches played.
This peer-voted recognition is a testament to Mupenda’s stellar performance and leadership, which spearheaded the UJ Netball team to the semi-finals. The Orange Army’s journey saw them secure an impressive six wins, with their only two defeats coming at the hands of North-West University – once in Round 7 and again in the crucial semi-final clash.
The meaning of peer recognition
For Mupenda, the award carries a weight beyond individual achievement, symbolising the acknowledgment of her commitment on the court.
“I feel really honoured to receive this award, especially because it was chosen by all the teams in the competition,” Mupenda shared. “It means a lot knowing that opponents I played against recognised my contribution on court. For me, it’s not just about individual performance, but about the respect and acknowledgment from fellow players, and that makes this award very special.”
Mupenda’s personal highlight echoed the grit that earned her the award: “I never backed down and never gave up, no matter the challenges we faced. I gave my all in every match.”
Leading with resilience and growth
The captain reflected on the UJ team’s journey, emphasising the spirit and potential demonstrated throughout the high-intensity tournament.
“This year, I think we showed a lot of growth and resilience as a team. We had tough moments, but we never backed down and kept pushing each other to improve,” she stated. “The commitment and fighting spirit from everyone really stood out, and I believe we can be proud of the progress we’ve made as a unit.”
The growth, according to Mupenda, was the most important takeaway. “For the team, the highlight was the growth we showed throughout the tournament. Even when results didn’t go our way, we kept learning, improving, and showing that we have potential to build on for next year’s tournaments.”
Cornelia Mupenda’s Suzuki Player’s Player award is not just a capstone on a brilliant 2025 season, but a powerful foundation for UJ Netball’s ambitions in the years to come.
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