From the courts of Bethal to the bright lights of the Telkom Netball League, Tharina Opperman’s journey in netball is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Born in Middelburg and raised in Bethal, Tharina balances life as a proud homeschooling mother, a farmer’s right hand, and an umpire with a deep love for the game. Off-court, she enjoys running, reading, and gardening — but on court, she’s all focus and fire. Guided by the mantra, “Jy is wie jy wil wees” (You are who you choose to be), Tharina brings integrity and heart to every whistle she blows.
1. How did your netball journey begin?
I loved athletics in school, but in Grade 10 I was chosen for our school’s first team at Hoërskool Hoogenhout in Bethal. From then on, I started prioritising netball over athletics. After school, I played for UJ and took part in three years of USSA tournaments before returning home and getting married. I missed being part of senior netball, so I applied to umpire at USSA in 2009 and received my first NSA grading. The rest is history! I’ve since attended almost every single tournament, only taking a break from 2014–2016 when I was pregnant. My A grading expired during that time and I had to start over again.
2. Which tournaments have you umpired at so far, and which ones are your favourite or most memorable?
Literally everything I could, for years. My most memorable moment was the SPAR National Championships at UJ in 2012 — those courts were where I spent countless hours training and sweating, and receiving my NSA A grading there made it incredibly special.
Internationally, I’ve enjoyed Malawi the most so far. It’s astounding to see how their national team performs at such a high level, despite limited resources.
3. What’s the most difficult part about being an umpire?
Everything — and nothing! [Laughs] The hardest and best part is actually the same for me. Umpiring has been the biggest learning curve of my life. You learn so much about yourself, about relationships, strengths and weaknesses — and if you look at it the right way, you’ll grow so much as a person.
4. What’s your favourite part about being an umpire?
Being able to add value to the game through the way I manage a match.
5. Tell us about this year’s Telkom Netball League excitement.
I enjoyed the first leg so much! The matches were intense, played at a very high standard. I think we’ll see some interesting results toward the end. The boat might just be rocked in 2025!
6. What advice can you share as an umpire?
Any umpire will tell you — the word we always hear is consistency! It’s true in umpiring and in life: whatever you do, do it with consistent effort and purpose.
7. Congratulations on your inclusion to umpire at the upcoming Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar – how does this make you feel?
I am super excited, very humbled and privileged to be appointed for this. But as with any tournament comes huge responsibility and a lot of preparation. I am thankful for everyone who plays a role in assisting me in this preparation.
