“Modesty in Sports”: Girl Shows Christian Netball Players Covered for Match, Divides SA

• A Christian girl shared a video on her TikTok account showing a group of netball players wearing modest outfits during their match
• In the Christian faith, modesty does not necessarily relate to the clothing people wear but also focuses on their character and behaviour, based on six core principles
• Some local members of the online community had no issue with what the girls wore on the court, while others on the web questioned the look and its practicality

Can modesty and sport coexist? A TikTok video showing a group of netball players in modest outfits during a match has sparked debate across South Africa, with some praising the players' faith-based choices and others questioning the practicality of their attire.

@queen_gee18 uploaded a video on her TikTok account on 21 July showing the group of girls forming a circle of prayer while wearing their netball bibs and matching blue and white ankle-length skirts, which seemed to be a part of their uniform.

Read also

“Yho, guys, stop abusing pap": Young man’s pap cake leaves South Africans stressed in viral video

For most netball players, their uniform includes a short-sleeved polo shirt with a short pleated skirt, which is far from modest in some people's eyes.

After showcasing what the team wore, the TikTok user captioned her post:

"Modesty in sports."

The girl also stated:

"If it doesn't glorify God, we don't want it, disrespectfully."

In Christianity, modesty not only encompasses the outer appearance, with women not bearing certain parts of the body, but it also focuses on one's inner character and overall lifestyle.

Sources say that the key aspects of modesty in the Christian faith include humility, purity, decency, appropriateness, avoiding extravagance, and a focus on God.

Modest netball attire divides SA

The video's virality attracted hundreds of social media users to the comments section. While some people on the internet thought the design wasn't practical for the girls during their game, others found no reason to hate on the attire.

Read also

"It's giving Fear Factor vibes": Man's plate features fried rats at an African event, SA stunned

@thuli2lee wrote under the post:

"I don’t know who said modesty equals floor-length skirts."

@cortado_mccafe wondered about the dress code:

"How’s this practical? They’re playing a sport that needs them to wear clothing they can freely move in."

@carmendk07 added a scripture in the comments:

"Kingdom-minded, not everyone will understand. They a separated. 'Therefore, come out from them and be separate,' says the Lord. 'Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.' 2 Corinthians 6:17."

@notyourbaebee_ said to the public:

"I don't understand. If females are comfortable being covered, how does that bother the next person?"

Worried about the girls' safety on the court, @thapz_mun mentioned:

"What if they trip and fall? Why not let them wear long tights with oversized t-shirts at least?"

@zarroots asked some online community members:

"Why are their skirts bothering you?"

Take a look at the TikTok video below:

3 Other stories about modesty

Read also

"Are you not entertained?" : SA amateur team wows with viral showboating goal

• In another article, Briefly News reported about a Tswana wife with a sense of humour who trolled traditional rules for wives' modesty. She playfully worked out in a shoeshoe dress to be a 'better' makoti.
• In 2023, singer Makhadzi was requested to dress modestly for her performance in Mozambique. She earned praise for her adaptability and commitment to meeting event requirements.
• A Christian woman became a TikTok sensation when she showed off her stylish, modest beachwear. The fashion-forward woman's approach impressed local internet users.

Source: Briefly News