The journey of wellness is one of resilience, requiring a delicate balance between physical, mental and emotional well-being. Nomfundo Dlamini, a star player for the Correctional Sunrise Ladies, uses this holistic approach as a guide in navigating her demanding volleyball career, her work and personal life.
Dlamini is a calm and grounded person who values her own space. Her approach to life is built on discipline, a trait that translates directly to her athletic performance.
For her, wellness is about more than just physical training. “It’s about fuelling my body with the right nutrition, keeping my mind focused and positive and ensuring I rest and recover so I can perform at my best both on and off the court,” she explains.
Interestingly, Dlamini didn’t seek out volleyball; it found her. Her journey began in 2008 during her high school years when she had accompanied a friend to practice. A few months later, she joined the training sessions herself and before long, she earned a spot on the school team. From that moment, she fell in love with the sport and has never looked back.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Her dedication has led to a decorated career, including: A gold medal at the Zone VI Championship in 2018, where her team was ranked number one in the SADC region.
Dlamini began her national career with the U-23 national team before prog r e s s i n g to the senior national team, where she continues to be a key player. She has earned over eight ‘Best Setter’ individual awards nationally and received MVP and other prestigious awards in international tournaments.
Dlamini credits her success to a few remarkable coaches. She highlights Coach Thulani Maphosa, who refined her setting skills and her current Coach, Mbuso Vilakati , who has pushed her beyond her perc eived limits. “He has brought out the best in me, pushing me beyond what I ever thought I was capable of,” she shared. She also acknowledges her trainer, Mpendulo Mhlanga, whose rigorous physical conditioning sometimes made her want to quit, but ultimately made her stronger. Volleyball has become an integral part of Dlamini’s well-being, keeping her physically fit, mentally sharp and emotionally grounded.
STRENGTH
Through volleyball, she has built lifelong friendships, discovered her inner strength and found a sense of purpose that has truly changed her life. “It has taken me to places which, if I wasn’t in the sport, I do not think I would have reached,” she said. “I cannot imagine what my life would be like without volleyball.” At just 31 years old, balancing her professional life with her passion for volleyball is not easy, but Dlamini’s strong time management skills make it manageable.
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