One big brotherhood: inside SU’s men’s netball team

By Agnes Homwe

At Stellenbosch University (SU), the men’s netball team is steadily building momentum not just in results, but in culture and visibility.

Head Coach Jared McArthur, a former team member who has played netball since childhood, stepped into the role last year to preserve and strengthen the team’s identity. “My priority was mindset”, he says. “We’re here to work hard and represent.” When he took over, the team ranged from complete beginners to experienced players. McArthur’s coaching philosophy centres on integration and mentorship. By pairing experienced athletes with complete beginners, he has fostered a team chemistry where everyone puts in equal effort for one another. There’s been a large improvement, and he believes the current team has depth and potential.

For defender Seja Masipa (second-year BAcc student), netball is personal. Introduced to the sport by his mother, a former coach, he chose SU partly for its netball programme. “It’s one big brotherhood,” he says, though he believes awareness of the men’s team is still limited. A home victory against the University of the Western Cape (UWC) last year stands out as a turning point in confidence. “That momentum carried us,” he recalls.

Third-year BSc (Human Life Sciences) student Robbie Smit, who plays wing attack and centre, joined a year ago after trying several sports. “It’s been the most enjoyable one yet,” he says. For Smit, netball gives him “moments of peace in the middle of a chaotic lifestyle”, offering clarity and relief from both academic and everyday pressures.

Despite lingering stereotypes surrounding men in netball, players say that support from their friends and families continues to grow. While they currently compete in the Campus and Cape Winelands Leagues, the goal is to represent SU at the USSA Championships.

For those still unsure about stepping onto the court, the message is clear: “Just dive in head first.” As Smit puts it, “Go to the court. Go to trials. Go play.”