Fort Hare’s Ntokozo Jali proved it is never too late to realise a dream when she came from nowhere to win a bronze medal in table tennis at her debut USSA tournament in December.
The LLB student, who attends lectures at the university’s East London campus, was drafted into the team at the eleventh hour and surprised all and sundry with her form despite nearly two decades away from the game.
Jali’s talents may never have seen the light of day again had it not been for the Fort Hare team travelling to the coast to take on their colleagues in a series of friendlies.
With the sport exclusively offered at the Alice campus, she leapt at the chance to show off her skills when her future teammates came to town.
Coach Alungile Goni liked what he saw, took her number and, before she knew it, had her on the team.
Even when she struggled with transport to attend the USSA training camp in Alice, the rest of the players made a plan to get her there.
“It made me feel welcome,” she admitted.
While she initially struggled to get her grip just right, the intensive programme was all she needed to rediscover her mojo.
LLB student Ntokozo Jali claimed an USSA bronze medal on debut. Photo: Supplied
Before being “discovered”, the 25-year-old last played a shot in anger in primary school in Bizana.
She was understandably unsure of herself when she teamed up with Azikile Makaula and Avela Mamfengu at the prestigious national event.
“On the opening day, I was nervous. There were so many people, so many tables, and the tension was there.”
When she approached the table for her first match, she had to give herself a peptalk to remain focused.
With the support of her teammates, she was able to produce the goods across her singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches. Even when her game deserted her on occasion, they were ready with advice.
Jali ended the tournament as the third most prolific point-scorer and her effort was also instrumental in Fort Hare taking bronze in the team section.
Accepting her medal afterwards felt amazing, Jali said.
“To me, it was a reminder that I can push others to do better like my teammates pushed me.”
It also revived her table tennis dream.
“It showed that I could perform regardless of not playing for years. It showed it’s never too late.”
Her achievement inspired her to champion the establishment of a club at the EL campus.
She believes there are more students like herself out there. All they need is a facility where they can practise and compete.
“Getting to practice in Alice is financially draining, so we need to have a place here if we want Fort Hare to do even better.”
Her goal is for table tennis to be an established sports code on her campus by the time she writes her final exam paper.
“And, of course, I’m interested in getting more medals [at the 2025 USSAs].”