Buyani Nxele pictured in Eastern Cape Comets colours during the Telkom Netball League.
Eastern Cape netball player Buyani Nxele has raised concerns about her omission from the travelling squad of the Eastern Cape Comets during the 2025 season of the Telkom Netball League.
Nxele, who is based in Mthatha and has been playing netball since the age of nine, spoke publicly about the matter on social media, saying she is seeking clarity and accountability following the decision.
According to Nxele, she was initially selected as part of the 12-player squad representing the Comets in the national competition and participated in the first Power Week held in Sun City
Omission Ahead of Second Power Week
The Telkom Netball League season is structured into three segments known as Power Weeks. Nxele says that after the first leg, she received an individual training programme from the team physiotherapist in preparation for the second.
However, approximately eight days before the second Power Week, Nxele says she received a phone call from team manager Vuyokazi Fekisi requesting her email address. Later that evening, she received communication informing her that she would be listed as a non-travelling player.
Nxele in action during a match in the Telkom Netball League.
According to Nxele, the communication cited alleged “bad behaviour” as the reason for the decision.
“I was shocked because no one had previously raised concerns about my behaviour,” she said.
Dispute Over Recovery Session
Nxele says she later understood the allegation to be linked to an incident involving an ice bath recovery session.
She disputes that she refused to participate, explaining that she informed the team physiotherapist that she was menstruating at the time and requested to be excused. She says the physiotherapist agreed, noting that she had not participated in the match that day.
“I explained my situation and it was understood at the time,” she said.
Attempts to Address the Matter
Nxele says she attempted to address the issue through official channels, including submitting an appeal and corresponding with team management and relevant authorities.
In an email dated 11 June 2025, Nxele expressed concern that no issues had been raised with her prior to the decision.
“No such concerns have ever been raised with me before, which is why this comes as a surprise,” she wrote.
She further stated that she was not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before action was taken and indicated her willingness to engage constructively with management.
Nxele shared email correspondence with this publication which she says forms part of her efforts to seek clarity on the matter.
Nxele also alleges that tensions may have arisen earlier after she declined to participate in a team practice involving the use of an oil she believed conflicted with her religious beliefs.
According to Nxele, the practice was not outlined in her contractual obligations and went against her Christian values.
“When I signed my contract, there was nothing that said I would be required to participate in rituals,” she said.
Emotional Impact
Nxele says the situation has taken an emotional toll, particularly given her long- standing commitment to the sport.
She recalled surviving a bus accident in December 2020 while travelling with teammates to a match in Cape Town, an incident that resulted in fatalities and injuries.
Despite pressure from her family to stop playing, she chose to continue pursuing her netball career.
“I have dedicated my life to netball, and walking away has never been an option for me,” she said.
Federation Response
Responding to questions, Mpumi Javu from the Eastern Cape Netball Association said the matter is still under consideration.
“Miss Nxele was part of the team in 2025. I am currently waiting for her to provide a written report on the matter so that I can reflect on it,” Javu said.
She added that it would be premature to comment further without receiving the player’s formal submission and emphasised that being listed as a non-travelling player does not necessarily mean removal from the team.
Team Response
When contacted for comment, Eastern Cape Comets coach Zandile Njeza referred enquiries to the Eastern Cape Netball Association, stating that the team reports to the federation.
Right of Reply
Requests for comment were also sent to Netball South Africa.
The organisation requested an extension to respond, which was granted. However, no response had been received by the revised deadline at the time of publication.
