THOHOYANDOU – The netball squad of the Northern Province East Regional Netball Association (NPER) was involved in an accident on Monday morning. The accident took place near Warmbaths along the N1 road at about 01:00.

The squad was on its way back from the Inter-Regional Tournament that was staged in Durban last week. According to the information issued by the association, the driver of the bus in which the squad was travelling, lost control and it overturned several times.

The driver, according to the information, was trying to avoid hitting a wild animal that was crossing the road, when the accident occurred.

The statement from the association further indicates that all the occupants for the bus sustained injuries in the accident. Those who sustained injuries in the accident are Masala Tshimange, Rhulani Mathebula, Ditshebo Mametja, Mpho Ramala, Mukondi Mulaudzi, Sophia Magoro, Vennas Chauke, Mbudzeni Nemagovhani and Fulufhelo Tshisevhe. The squad manager, Mr Phillemon Mdaka, Seani Sadiki (coach), Ndifhedzo Managa (referee), Mr NA Malisha (head of the delegation) and the bus driver, Mr Avhasei Musundwa, also sustained injuries in the accident.

The victims were taken to the nearby Warmbaths hospital for medical treatment.

During an interview with the president of the association, Mr Kirsten Nematandani, he stated that although it was sad for them to learn about the accident, they were relieved by the fact that no life was lost in the horrific accident. He thanked the parents of the players for understanding that the accident had been caused by circumstances beyond the driver's control.

The local squad performed superbly in the tournament. They lost 1-4 to Eastern Province in the finals of the tournament.