By: Puleng Maphisa – 03 November 2023

Manana Innocent Mosia, a 25-year-old Vaal University of technology (VUT) athlete from Mkhelele in Evaton West, is a shining example of determination and resilience. Raised in a single-parent household alongside her sister, Nontsizi Mosia, Manana’s journey in the world of sports has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her unwavering dedication to volleyball and her passion for the game have propelled her to new heights.

Manana holds a Diploma in Sport Management and is currently studying towards an Advanced Diploma in the same filed at VUT. Her dedication to education underscores her determination to excel not only in sports but also academically. She looks up to Serena Williams, the legendary tennis player, as a role model who inspires other women and ladies with her remarkable achievements and dedication.

Recently, Manana received a nomination for Sportswoman of the Year in Sedibeng under the Futballing Girls Organisation, an award she went to win. Furthermore, she is set to compete at the provincial level in 2024 Gauteng Sports Awards.

Her journey into the world of Volleyball began at Evaton West Primary, fondly known as Matome. It was there that she was introduced to the sport by Mr. Jeff Monnakgotla. Her formative years in the sport laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career. With the support of her family and the wisdom of God, Manana navigated the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household and embraced the sport to overcome obstacles.

Her experience in sports is filled with a series of remarkable achievements and titles. She started her career at Western Cape Sports School and later represented the University of Western Cape UWC) before joining the VUT.

Her list of achievements includes: 2011 Gauteng colors (MVP Award); 2012 Western Province colors; 2013 Western Cape regional colors; 2014 National Colors (Youth African Games U18); 2015 Western Province Colors (Best Attacker Award); 2017 National Colors (Junior World Champs Qualifications U21, Mozambique); 2017 Junior Qualifiers beach Egypt (Qualified for the World Junior Championships U21, China); 2017 BRICS Games Indoor China; 2017 National Team Vice Captain; Number 3 in Africa for beach volleyball U21 in 2017; Number 1 in South Africa for beach volleyball U21 in 2017; 2018 World Student Games, Germany; 2019 Zone 6 (African Games); 2021 USSA Champions; 2022 USSA Champions; 2023 Finalist in Sports Woman of the Year; 2023 Winner of Sport Woman of the Year; 2023 Champion Cup Winner; and  2023 Elite Cup Winner.

Manana remains deeply grateful for the unwavering support she received from Coach Elmien Cloete; Mr Monnakgotla and Mr Themba Rabi, whom she says their guidance and mentorship served as the driving force behind her quest for greater heights. Her most cherished moments in her volleyball career have been the opportunities to traverse the globe, exploring places she once only dreamt of visiting.

Despite encountering her fair share of challenges, including a knee injury during her high school years, she underscores the significance of hard work and unwavering commitment in achieving her goals. She also credits the exceptional physiotherapy support provided by her school for aiding her recovery.

In her life, she has learned to maintain a disciplined approach to time management and strike a delicate balance between her personal life and her sports career. Her words of encouragement for others are both simple and profound: “Come on, You Can Do It.” She is driven by her desire to graduate and eagerly anticipates achieving numerous more accolades in the realm of volleyball.