Zanele Mdodana is a celebrated icon in South African sport and leadership, a woman whose story reflects excellence, resilience, and purpose.

With 82 caps for the SPAR Proteas, she has represented South Africa on the world stage with pride, competing in three Commonwealth Games and a Netball World Cup. Her impact on the court was profound, but her legacy stretches far beyond the final whistle.

Zanele made history as the first Black Head Coach of Maties Netball at Stellenbosch University, where her leadership earned her the Maties Team Coach of the Year award in 2019. Today, she continues to shape the future of the sport as the Assistant Coach of the SPAR Proteas National Team, bringing her trademark courage, insight, and heart to every player she mentors.

More than an athlete, Zanele is a mentor, a role model, and a beacon of hope for girls and women across South Africa. As a proud Thrive Online ambassador, she shares her journey and insights on how to lead like a coach, embracing the core Thrive principles of courage, authenticity, purpose, and impact . Her story is a testament to what’s possible when leadership and heart move as one.

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