Emmarentia “diesel” Ledwaba

This week we have a powerhouse of a woman, someone who proudly represented her country for nearly 20 years. At one stage Emma was arguably the biggest force in SA women’s basketball. With a basketball CV longer than me, she is a massive advocate for not just basketball but equality and empowering young women. When Emma speaks Everybody listens.

I was lucky enough to get in touch with her this week to find out about her lengthy National team service.

Full name

Emmarentia “diesel” Ledwaba

Age

41

Years played on national team

SA u/18: 1996-1997

Senior Women: 1998-2015

Games played on national team

Countless

Best player you’ve played against at national level

Martha Nkeku Molokomme

Your favourite/standout game at national level

Afrobasket Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in 2009. We were playing on a Sunday in an arena that doubled as a church. At the end of the 3rd quarter SA led Zim by about 10 points. At the start of the fourth quarter we noticed masses of people starting to crowd the arena, like ALOT of people! We didnt know what was going on but soon got word that the people were there for church and waiting for our game to finish. Next thing we knew every voice in the arena was shouting and cheering for their home team. It got so loud we couldn’t hear our coach on the sideline. Suddenly it was as if we were playing a whole new team... but with an extra 6th man on the floor. We dug in and managed to keep our lead until the final minute. We were up 1 point when Zim had a trip to the free throw line. 1 to tie and 1 to win. When she missed the first there was a massive sigh of relief. I lined up on the free throw line ready to go into overtime. Pumla Sathula on the other side waiting for the rebound. The zim player missed the free throw, the ball hit the rim and Pumla flew towards it (I had NEVER seen pumla jump that high before). She caught the ball, I ran into an open space to receive it. When she p[assed it to me I wrapped my arms around it and protected it my my everything until the clock ran out.

We had won and qualified for Afrobasket 2009. A proud moment and very fond memory with the SA women’s team.

A message to the kids

Play or train with people that are better than you. Don’t be afraid to push yourself. Todays basketball is different, you have to learn to play all the positions on the floor. Be versatile. don’t box yourself into a position because you are only limiting your potential and ability.

Please, focus on your school work as well. If you don’t end up playing college or national team basketball, you must still be able to make it in life. Your studies are equally important. You can excel at school and basketball.