Modiegi Mokoka hopes for redemption and validation during the WBNL 2023 Campaign

Over the last decade, Modiegi Mokoka has established herself as one of the foremost South African female basketball players. During this timeframe, she has won several titles including the USSA championship with Wits University as well as the 2021 Women’s Basketball National League (WBNL) finals with Tshwane Suns. In addition, Mokoka has represented the South African national team at junior, varsity, and senior levels, including at Afrobasket 2015. Full Court Press caught up with Mokoka to talk about her expectations for the 2023 WBNL season.

After winning the 2021 WBNL champions with Tshwane Suns and finishing runner-up in 2022, with the same team, what prompted you to sign with the Limpopo Pride?

Modiegi: Whilst with Tshwane Suns, I did not feel valued, so when it was announced that WBNL would be taking place in 2023, the erstwhile Pride coach, Willy Matlakala contacted me about joining the team. Coach Willy had instructed me on the Limpopo provincial team as well as at Wits, so it was a no brainer to accept his offer.

After taking that decision to switch teams, how did you settle into the Pride system?

Modiegi: Prior to the 2023 WBNL season, I was injured, so I had been doing gradual rehabilitation by playing IPT Netball and the ICSL as well as Mamelodi and Ashraf tournaments. This allowed me to play about 25 minutes per game. Moreover, I was familiar with some of the Pride players because they were my teammates at Celtics Finest.

You seemed to be on the right path towards having a great season with the Limpopo Pride. What led to your shock departure from the team and deadline signing with Egoli Magic?

Modiegi: Coach Willy’s decision to resign along with his coaching staff initially prompted me to think of leaving Limpopo Pride. However, as I had earlier mentioned, I was in the process of undergoing recovery from a previously sustained injury, which the coach and team management was made aware of. However, on the day before Pride was supposed to play its first game and the final roster cuts were made, my name did not appear on the squad list. I spoke to Coach Willy who then suggested that I get in touch with the Egoli Magic head coach Zanele Ngwenya. Within a few minutes, I was sent contract details and became a member of the team.

Considering the circumstances in which you joined the team, how were you received by the Egoli Magic players?

Modiegi: The Egoli Magic ladies have been extremely welcoming. There is great chemistry as well as a positive team spirit. And although there is a very experienced coach on the bench, the younger players have been open to learning from me and taking advice.

What is your goal for the WBNL 2023 season?

Modiegi: Going all the way to win a championship. This is the hungriest team that I have ever played for.

Who are you looking forward to playing during this season?

Modiegi: I don’t have a particular player, but the Western Cape Mountaineers are a team to look out for. They have a good collective, with about seven players who can make a difference. They also play at a faster pace compared to the rest of the teams.

How do you feel about the current state of the WBNL?

The standard and quality of play has significantly improved from the first run in 2020. I am happy that the league format for this season does not mean we have to play all the games in one week. However, I do not like the pool system as it prevents us from playing all the teams and limits our ability to assess our opponents.

Any concluding remarks?

Modiegi: Watch out for us in the finals.