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Princess Stella Sigcau III, a 19-year-old rising star from the royal Sigcau family of Ntabankulu, has been selected to represent the Universities Sports South Africa (USSA) national volleyball team following a stellar performance at a recent tournament in Cape Town.
The eldest daughter of Nkosi Jongilanga Sigcau—Chairperson of the Alfred Nzo Local House of Traditional Leaders—and Maqhinebe, a Mpondomise Princess of the Qhinebe clan, Sigcau is making a name for herself in South African varsity sport. She is currently a tourism student at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha and plays for the university’s volleyball team, the Madibaz, as well as its netball squad.
Her volleyball journey began during her time at Bloemfontein South High School, where a coach spotted her and her sister, Princess ZamaFaku II, and encouraged them to take up the sport. Within just one season, Stella’s talent was undeniable—she earned selection for the Free State provincial team and played in her first national tournament in Cape Town.
“It was that event that opened my eyes to both the technical and tactical side of the sport,” she said. “Seeing how my teammates and opponents approached it made me want to grow even more, which I’ve been able to do at Madibaz this year.”
Her recent call-up to the USSA team came as a shock. “I was really shocked!” she said. “I didn’t expect anything like that, especially after my first USSA tournament.”
Despite Madibaz finishing 10th out of 11 universities, Sigcau stood out as a middle blocker. The team recorded wins against CUT and the University of Fort Hare, while enduring tough losses to UKZN and UNIZULU.
“The tournament was a real test—mentally and physically,” she added. “It was stressful at times, but the experience was unforgettable.”
Off the court, Princess Sigcau is deeply involved in community upliftment. When at home in Matshona village in Lwandlolubomvu, she teaches local youth how to play volleyball, continuing a proud family tradition of sporting excellence.
Her grandfather, Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau, was a renowned rugby champion; her grandmother, Queen Nombethe, a tennis star; and her father, Nkosi Jongilanga, once a standout basketball player. Her aunts, Princesses Stella II and ZamaFaku, were both accomplished swimmers.
With her USSA selection now secured, Princess Sigcau says she is more determined than ever to work harder and inspire other rural youth to chase their dreams—on or off the court.
