APHIWE XANTI
A passion for sports that will branch out to help others, defines the daily mission of Luyanda Kilani.
Hailing from Upper Mngqesha on the outskirts of the Buffalo City Metropolitan municipality, the dedicated Eastern Cape development practitioner and sports strategist is using netball as a powerful catalyst to transform the lives of young girls and women across the province.
As the head coach for various grassroots and competitive squads, including the Hungries Netball Club and the Amathole Under-21 district team, Kilani has spent years nurturing athletic talent while instilling vital life skills.
“I have dedicated many years to coaching and developing young players, particularly young girls, through netball,” Kilani told the Go!
earlier this week.
For him, coaching extends far beyond tactical plays and standard physical drills.
He views the netball court as a dynamic classroom designed to illuminate broader horizons, proving to young women that life offers immense possibilities beyond staying at home.
“It is about creating opportunities, building confidence, teaching discipline, and helping young people realise their full potential,” Kilani said.
“Every player is different, and as a coach, you have to understand each athlete’s strengths, weaknesses, personality, and background.”
Witnessing personal growth remains the most fulfilling aspect of his work.
Kilani recalled numerous instances where hesitant young girls with little self-belief transformed themselves into confident, responsible, and health-conscious leaders on and off the court.
“Coaching teaches you patience, commitment, and continuous learning.
“You are not simply developing athletes; you are helping to develop people.
“Training must always have a clear purpose.
“Players should understand why they are executing a specific strategy and how it directly contributes to team performance.”
His structured coaching methodology balances discipline, fitness, technical precision, and game awareness with open communication.
This approach paid significant dividends during the SPAR National Netball Championships held in Cape Town, where Kilani led the Amathole U21 team against the country’s finest players.
“It was a privilege to work with these players and the management team,” Kilani said.
“They came from different backgrounds and brought distinct strengths to the court.
“Our primary objective was to build unity and ensure everyone understood the immense pride associated with representing Amathole.”
Despite facing stiff national competition, the tournament served as an invaluable benchmark for local talent, demonstrating that Eastern Cape athletes can compete on the country’s highest stages.
The success of Kilani’s development pipeline continues to yield tangible results, with two standout players from the Hungries Netball Club, Linamanda Tiwane and Thandeka Mdayi, advancing to represent their club at the national college championships.
Looking ahead, Kilani hopes his players recognise that netball can open life-changing career and academic doors, urging them to reject stagnant development and aim for provincial and national selection.
“Sometimes young people simply need someone to recognise their potential, encourage them, and give them a real opportunity,” Kilani said.
As he continues to inspire as a coach and development practitioner in the province, Kilani remains focused on expanding grassroots access and elevating regional netball standards.
