Kavetja Ngaizuvare
At just eight years old, Uariua Vivyen Mbemuundja discovered a love for netball that would go on to define much of her young life.
Now a national player, her journey in the sport has been shaped by unwavering passion, personal discipline and a strong belief in fair play.
“My netball journey started in grade 2. I was only eight, but the sport caught my attention immediately,” she said.
What began as a simple interest quickly turned into a calling.
Through the years, Mbemuundja has shown the kind of commitment and growth that sets a true athlete apart.
She prides herself on playing a clean, fair game, and takes personal responsibility for her growth and performance.
“I rely on myself for motivation. My biggest inspiration is me,” she confidently stated, a statement that reflects her strong sense of self and internal drive.
That confidence has carried her into important spaces, including one of her proudest milestones – playing in the prestigious Newspaper Cup and being named Player of the Match.
However, her path has not been without obstacles.
Injuries have proven to be her biggest challenge, threatening both her performance and spirit.
“They really break me. When I’m injured, I do not play my best at all,” she admitted. Yet, she never allows those setbacks to define her. With each stumble, she rises stronger, often with the help of her family, who have been a consistent and powerful support system throughout her journey.
“My family is everything to me. Their support is louder than a stadium filled with millions,” she stated proudly.
Their presence is not only felt in the stands, but also in her mindset and motivation.
They are her anchor in difficult moments, and her cheerleaders during victories.
As a team player, Mbemuundja is someone who uplifts those around her.
Whether it is helping her teammates stay calm during high-pressure trials or encouraging them to fix their mistakes, she takes on a leadership role both on and off the court.
“If one player is off, it kills the whole game,” she said.
Her ability to remain calm, adapt the team’s gameplay and maintain a strong presence makes her a crucial part of any match.
Balancing her personal life and netball career is a challenge, especially with the demands of training and competition.
“It is hard, but I try to maintain a stable balance,” she shared.
Despite spending most of her time on the courts, she still finds moments to unwind.
This is often by listening to gospel music or engaging in her other passion – debating.
“I love talking and proving a point,” she stated.
Off the court, Mbemuundja is known for her kindness, infectious energy and willingness to help others.
It is her core values of self-respect, discipline and positivity that truly define her.
“A disciplined player can go further,” she believed.
Whether it is accepting and correcting her own mistakes or simply choosing to stay humble and hopeful, she remains committed to personal growth.
Looking ahead, Uariua Vivyen Mbemuundja dreams of going even further in the sport.
“Becoming a national player was a huge success, but I’m not done. I’ll never give up,” she declared.