From Player to Mentor: Didintle Keebine Inspires The Next Generation With Dineo Gaditshwane Academy
Didintle Keebine is a South African netball player and coach known for her strength in the wing defence position and her steady rise through the national ranks. A former member of the South African U21 side, she went on to represent the country on bigger stages, including the Fast5 Netball World Series in 2022, where the team secured a silver medal—one of South Africa’s strongest performances in the competition.
At domestic level, Keebine has featured for teams such as the North West Flames and the Gauteng Jaguars in the Telkom Netball League. Alongside her playing career, she has built a strong presence in coaching and mentorship, using her academic background from North-West University to support and develop emerging talent in the sport.
A full circle moment for her is starting an academy, Dineo Gaditshwane and she tells us more about it.
What inspired you to start your netball academy?
A dream I’ve had since childhood has come full circle, it took me back to the humble beginnings of my netball journey. Being a girl from a village was something that inspires me instead of the latter. God has used my talent to open doors for me in ways I can’t even imagine. From representing the North West province and Gauteng on a national stage, to having an opportunity to present the country globally, starting my sports academy is a testament to the many possibilities and opportunities this world has to offer. Our background doesn’t define us, God can transform our circumstances. So, seeing how God did it for me, the goal is to encourage others, because God can do it for them too.
Please tell us about your journey in sports before starting the academy?
I started with sports at seven years old, excelled in both netball and athletics. I excelled in both sports from the age of 13, both provincially and nationally. However, when I started uni I had to choose one sport which was of course netball. I’ve always dreamed of representing my country at an international stage, and my selection in the SA U18 squad and the Baby Proteas (SA U21) served as proof that it’s possible, that I’m one step closer to my dream. I’ve represented NWU from 2016 to 2021, winning USSA in 2019 and being selected for the SA USSA Squad. North West University gave me opportunities to compete at the highest level and being taken to places I couldn’t take myself. Just a girl from a village who represented not only the North West Province in the Telkom Netball League, but Gauteng too, which was my best year yet! My coaching career also started while I was in NWU, from being part of the provincial netball academy to being the assistant coach for the U19A North West Team (champions) to heading up the U19B North West Team (champions) the following year only at 22.
What I can say is this: When Juffrou Katryn called me back to Hoerskool Zeerust (which is where I matriculated) to share what I’ve learned with the upcoming stars who were walking in the same shoes I was, was how Dineo Gaditshwane Academy was established. It wasn’t just from a moment but from all the work that was put in over the years. I might not have recognised the importance of what I’ve done as a coach over the years, but it sure took someone to see how magnificent it is. It took someone to see my potential – that’s all it takes.
What is the main goal or mission of your academy?
To change lives through sports.
To be a helping hand in the disadvantaged communities (coaching clinics, tournaments etc).
To develop and enhance the skills of athletes.
To create job opportunities in the sports sector.
How do you develop young athletes both on and off the field?
I recently had an opportunity to conduct a coaching clinic where we focused on key values like discipline, collaboration and time management. We also addressed issues like gossip, disrespect and selfishness. We spoke about how these aspects significantly impact performance on and off court. Just as sports has taught me so much about life, the ups and downs, the do’s and don’ts, I’m passionate about sharing these insights with others. At the centre of this is love - which fuels my passion and enables me to live out my purpose. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to live in my calling. Speaking of love, I also want to remind others that they are seen, heard, and ultimately, they are seen by the One who matters, even when others don’t.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when building this academy?
The fear of thinking what other people will say or the belief that it’s not possible, especially when you have encountered more no’s then yes’s. For me, it’s been about endurance, persistence, and most importantly faith that got me here.
Do you have any athletes who have gone to achieve major success?
Those I’ve worked with before are either in university or still in school, some are even pursuing their coaching careers while studying.
What makes your training program program different from other academies?
“You lead with such grace, care and with the love of Jesus, while still teaching the girls to have grit and be competitive.” – a parent
And this is what makes my training program different from other academies.
What advice would you give to young athletes who dream of becoming professionals?
My advice to the young athletes is to keep on keeping on no matter what life throws at you! If there’s one thing I have learned in my journey both as an athlete and coach is to TRUST THE PROCESS - thanks to Dr Elsje Jordaan for instilling this in me.
I’ve always reminisced on this quote in my teenage years: “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward” – Dr. Martin Luther King.
What are your future goals or plans for the academy?
To not only be in the national sphere, but international too. For me, it’s about reaching and working with people from all walks of life. It’s about leaving no one behind, privileged or otherwise.
To also establish its own merchandise, which is official since 27 March, and I’m super excited to see what more will unfold.
Picture: Supplied