From Picking Up Balls to Chasing an Olympic Dream
Nearly a decade after leaving the sport behind, Berea College of Technology student Nosipho Mhlongo is back at the table, winning medals and chasing an Olympic dream. For Nosipho, table tennis began on the sideline. As a primary school pupil in Pietermaritzburg, she spent physical education lessons and extra mural activities picking up balls while other pupils played. Whenever a game ended or there was a break, however, she would pick up a bat and start playing herself.
Her teachers soon noticed her ability and encouraged her to take the sport seriously. Before long, Nosipho was competing against players from other provinces at South African Schools Sports competitions, travelling to Gauteng, the Free State and other provinces. Then, after primary school, it stopped. Her high school did not offer table tennis, forcing her to put the sport aside. Almost a decade passed before she returned to the table.
Now in her early 20s and a second year BCom Supply Chain student at Berea College of Technology, Nosipho’s return began after seeing a former primary school classmate’s progress on social media. Watching her travel and compete internationally made Nosipho wonder why she could not return to the sport. “I realised that I am still young and have an opportunity to do something positive with my free time,” she says.
In March 2026, she contacted her former schoolmate, who told her about trials in Chesterville. Despite years away from competitive table tennis, Nosipho impressively finished second and earned a place at the national competition in Limpopo.
From comeback to medals
At the Limpopo nationals, Nosipho competed in singles and mixed doubles, winning gold in mixed doubles and returning with three medals, two golds and a bronze. Her progress continued at remarkable speed. Within five months of returning to competitive table tennis, she became part of the South African team and travelled to Kazakhstan in August for international competition. The experience showed her how much work remains after years away from the sport.
“I realised that if I had never stopped playing, I would probably be at a much higher level now,” she says. “But I cannot change those years. What I can do is train harder from now.” Nosipho now trains almost every day with Chesterville Table Tennis Club, working to improve her technique and earn more points.
Funding a dream
Her progress has come despite significant financial challenges. Nosipho funds much of her sporting journey herself. She paid about R1 000 towards her participation in the Limpopo nationals and had to cover transport, playing shirts and other expenses. At times, a lack of transport money prevents her from attending training. She says she has not received government funding and hopes greater support will be provided to athletes trying to develop their careers. “I am doing what I can with the little that I have,” she says. “I would really like to see more support for athletes because there is talent out there.”
Balancing sport and studies
Despite her demanding training schedule, Nosipho remains committed to her studies. She first completed a Certificate in Supply Chain before progressing to the degree and is now in her second year. Some tournaments are arranged around her academic commitments so that sport does not interfere with her education. Her ambitions, however, extend beyond simply representing South Africa.
Nosipho wants to improve her game, compete at higher levels and earn enough points to put herself in contention for Olympic qualification. “The Olympic dream is there,” she says. “I know I have a lot of work to do, but I want to see how far I can take this.” The girl who once picked up balls while watching others play is now picking up medals of her own. After finding her way back to table tennis, Nosipho is determined not to let go again.
Nosipho’s story is about hard work and dreams. Keep pushing forward to achieve your goals.