Jacky Veii: From netball glory to healthcare leadership

Black Africa (BA) netball star Jacqueline Braithwaite, known as Jacky Veii during her playing days, now spends her time working on her master’s degree and managing homes for people with developmental disabilities.

She has made it her mission to ensure that everyone can enjoy an excellent quality of life.

Now back in her adopted country of the United States (US) after her divorce, Braithwaite was born in All Saints Village, Antigua, where she lived until she was 17.

She started playing netball at the age of 13, after she joined Antigua Girls High School where she played for the school team and in the All Saints Village Netball League.

“When I started playing netball, it was a side thing I did. I began playing in the club league at 16, along with my sister and her best friend. Together, we started Black Lighting Netball Club. At 17, I played my first Caricom Netball Tournament in Nevis in 1985,” she says.

“My focus was track and field and that is where my strength development lies, in running, jumping, speed, agility and concentration. I even represented Antigua and Barbuda in the 400m at the Carifta Games in Nassau, Bahamas, in 1984.”

She made it to the final heat, however, for reasons only known to her coach, he asked her not to run in the final.

Braithwaite eventually met her Namibian husband, Kazuvire Veii, in Michigan.

She started concentrating more on netball when she moved to Namibia with her family, where she asked one of her brothers-in-law about netball teams in Windhoek.

“He referred me to Young Ones, but I didn’t receive any response after contacting them several times. Then he mentioned Black Africa and they responded immediately when I reached out to them. Aunt Ricky (Fredericks) envited me to her home where she endorsed me,” she notes.

“I was very impressed with how professional and welcoming everyone was. The rules were clearly laid out and respected, and problems affecting the players were handled effectively. The focus was on development and training and everyone supported each other.”

The retired star says you could feel the camaraderie – everyone was her sister and family.

Braithwaite forged a defensive partnership with her namesake, Jacqueline Gawanas, which was the backbone of the success of the all-conquering Black Africa netball team.

Her presence strengthened an already star-studded BA team, which also fielded Hansina Hinda, Theo Shekupe and Emsie Esterhuizen (goal-shooters); Christina Gontes and Hellen Oliphant (both on the wings); and player-coach Annie Kalondo (centre).

“My mastery of the techniques came about through training and coaching over the years. One of the techniques I learnt very early in my netball development is the safety part of play. I may play and seem aggressive, but I always focussed on being mindful of playing safely,” she says.

“I had the ‘aha’ moment and the ability to read the game. I would play and constantly adjust to each opponent. I loved a challenge, and a great or skilled and experienced opponent challenged my abilities and pushed me to my limits.”

Braithwaite won at least three league titles and several other tournaments with the Namibian champions.

The goal-defender, who represented Namibia at the All-African Games in 1999, also played for the country during a Tri-Nations Netball Championship that she describes as “a joyous moment for me and an honour to proudly represent Namibia”.

She coached the Namibian Schools Sports Union netball at the 1998 and 1999 Balls Games in Durban and Johannesburg, respectively, in South Africa.

She also coached the junior national team that contested in the 1998 Zone Six Under-21 Games in Lusaka, Zambia, and was in charge of the Tertiary Institutions Sports Association of Namibia team at the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association Zone VI Student Games held in Malawi and Zimbabwe.

Her coaching career led her to coaching the Polytechnic of Namibia and Augustineum Secondary School netball teams.

While she enjoyed her stay in Namibia, Braithwaite regrets that she could never return to Antigua to play for the Antigua and Barbuda national netball team or her former village team, Black Lightning, before she graduated from college.

She also regrets that her daughters, who grew up in the US, did not experience netball as a major sport as in Commonwealth countries.

The mother of three and grandmother of two says a normal day for her starts at 04h00 with prayer, meditation and exercise, then she studies for her master’s degree in healthcare administration before going to work.

Braithwaite says: “I currently manage a group of homes for people with developmental disabilities and am also an advocate for them, ensuring that they enjoy an excellent quality of life.”

She mentions that her late coach and mentor, Yvonne William-Willis, and her sister ,Yalta Braithwaite, always believed in her and pushed her to excel in sport, and when she moved to Namibia, her BA teammates inspired her to perform without limitations.

She says staying focused on the process and executing one play at a time helped her consistent form and, even though she never focused on the cheers from the packed stadium, it was a boost.

“I still want to play netball. The competitive spirit never died in me. Sometimes, I wish I was still actively involved in netball development in a country where it is a major sport,” Braithwaite says.

“I have cherished memories of playing club netball for a powerhouse like Black Africa as well as for the Namibian national netball team. The coaching opportunities I cherish immensely. I miss advocating for the inclusion of netball in the Olympics.”

Braithwaite has the following advice for young players: “Believe in your potential and embrace your uniqueness. The world is full of opportunities waiting for you to explore. Remember, every challenge is a chance to grow, and your voice matters. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to follow your passions.”