Norman Mashaba joins SAGDB

Well known golf professional Norman Mashaba has joined the SA Golf Development Board as the development manager for Gauteng Central. Mashaba will be responsible for the overall running of the development programme in the important Gauteng region.

“Norman brings an enormous amount of experience and expertise to the SAGD,” said SAGDB managing executive Ken Viljoen in welcoming Mashaba. “I am sure he will make a great impact in the region and make it the flagship of the development board.”

Gauteng Central has faced a number of difficulties in the past year, and Mashaba is determined to improve the running of the development programme. His first priority has been to build an understanding with the local development coaches.

“I’m a guy who believes in team work,” Mashaba said. “I need to know that these guys understand what their responsibilities are. I want to see them giving the kids what they deserve.”

Mashaba’s professional coaching background will be a real asset to the SAGDB. He is also determined to make best use of the PGA mentorship programme, which will see development coaches receiving regular support from top PGA professionals.

Together with improved coaching, Mashaba wants to see a growing awareness of the sport in underprivileged areas.

“I want to make sure the kids in the townships know what golf is,” Mashaba says. “Once they get the understanding of what the game is all about then the sky is the limit.”

He also wants to improve the relationship between the SAGDB and the parents of learners in the programme. He believes it’s vital that the parents get involved in supporting and encouraging their children.

“We want to get the kids off the street and we can do that through golf,” Mashaba says. “But parents also have a role to play.”

Mashaba’s commitment the sport coupled with his years of experience make him the ideal candidate to inject much needed urgency into the region’s development programme. The SAGDB recognises that Gauteng is a hub of the game in South Africa and a strong programme there will make a big difference to supporting the board’s aims and profile.

“Golf to me is not a sport,” Mashaba says. “It’s my life. I’ve always believed that more can be done, and I’ve decided that instead of just talking about it, why don’t I get involved and see if I can make a difference?”