At DRVN, we're more than just a netball academy - we're a sisterhood of passionate players, dedicated coaches, and supportive parents united by our love for the sport.
Our Vision
To become the leading netball academy in South Africa, renowned for producing skilled, confident, and empowered young athletes who excel both on and off the court.
Our Mission
- Provide elite netball training and development programs for girls aged 7-17
- Foster a culture of teamwork, sportsmanship, and mutual respect
- Develop the whole player - physically, technically, tactically, and mentally
- Create a supportive community that encourages growth, learning, and fun
- Produce champion athletes who make a positive impact in their communities
Our Values
- Excellence: We strive for the highest standards in all we do
- Empowerment: We believe in the potential of every player to achieve greatness
- Sisterhood: We're a family that lifts each other up
- Integrity: We act with honesty, respect, and sportsmanship
- Fun: We enjoy the journey and make unforgettable memories!
Last year we got nominated for the Hollywood Best KZN Youth Business Awards, finishing second out of 1000 companies.
Mr Thando Mhlathi
Founder & Head Coach – DRVN High Performance Academy
Mr Thando Mhlathi is a highly respected high-performance coach with over 14 years of experience in school sport development and elite athlete preparation. He has played a pivotal role in elevating Physical Education programmes and establishing strong, performance-driven sporting cultures across multiple schools.
Renowned for his commitment to grassroots netball development, Mr Mhlathi has been instrumental in introducing young female athletes to structured Strength & Conditioning, laying the foundation for long-term athletic excellence, injury prevention, and competitive confidence. His methodology blends technical precision, physical development, and mental resilience — preparing athletes not just to compete, but to excel.
Under his leadership, athletes from various sporting codes have progressed to the highest competitive levels, producing South African and KwaZulu-Natal representatives in Netball, Athletics, and Touch Rugby. His results-driven approach and uncompromising standards have positioned DRVN High Performance Academy as a trusted pathway for aspiring elite athletes.
Coaching Philosophy
At DRVN, excellence is a standard — not a goal. Mr Mhlathi believes in cultivating disciplined, confident athletes within a high-performance environment defined by professionalism, positive energy, and purpose. Every athlete is guided to become the strongest, most capable version of themselves — on and off the field.
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What Parents & Players Say
"DRVN has transformed my daughter's confidence and skill level. Truly a supportive sisterhood."
- Parent, Age 12 Athlete
"The coaches are incredible — technical, motivating, and genuinely care about every player."
- Player, Age 15
"Joining DRVN was the best decision for my child’s athletic and personal growth."
- Parent, Age 14 Athlete
"I’ve improved so much and made lifelong friends here. It’s a true sisterhood."
