Your sister also plays squash. Do you think we will ever see the Ntimane sisters on a squash doubles team?
My sister and I are quite competitive so she uses me as her benchmark. So far she’s done amazing at surpassing it [sic]. I definitely think our competitiveness would make us a killer doubles team.
What does being the TuksSquash Ambassador entail?
It’s about representing TuksSport and using the platform to promote “The stripe generation” and my sporting code squash. As well as making the sport more accessible.
What has been most rewarding about this role so far?
The most rewarding thing about this position is that I can give back to the sport I love.
What words of wisdom would you give your eight-year-old self?
Get rid of all your inhibitions, you’ll progress faster.
As a person of colour, why do you think the sport is predominantly made up of white players and what do you think would increase diversity in the sport?
Squash is one of the many sports that haven’t been given enough exposure, since it was formerly played by the more privileged. As a result, it seems inaccessible. I think we should introduce it to more schools, and have kids be exposed to the sport early on. This will make the idea of the sport less foreign.
Who are your sport icons and why do they inspire you?
I don’t have specific sport icons, but I’m always inspired when seeing any woman being empowered by the sport they love.
What has been your greatest achievement in your career so far and why?
Making the SA School’s touring team was a highlight for me. I can clearly remember how hard I worked to achieve that goal.
Who or what do you attribute your success with squash to?
An extremely supportive family and a great passion for the sport.
What are tournaments are you currently training for?
The Jarvis Kaplan Cup and USSA.
Which sporting event are you most looking forward to in the upcoming year?
USSA, I’m excited to see how the TuksSquash team will do since we are all training hard towards the tournament.
Do you feel pressured to perform better and push yourself harder than your teammates since you’re on a sports bursary?
No, I push myself harder daily because of the love of the sport. It makes it easier for me to do my best.
If you weren’t playing squash would you be an athlete in another field and if so, which field would that be?
If I wasn’t playing squash I’d probably be a cross-country athlete.
What advice would you give to young squash players trying to make a name for themselves?
Push yourself out your comfort zone, your hard work will pay off.
What is the greatest advice a coach has given you and why has it stuck with you?
Conquer your body as well as your mind. Your limits are usually not where you think they are.
