Novashni Chetty, the chief operating officer at The Sharks, has carved a remarkable path in South African rugby, turning her childhood love for sports into a career spanning more than two decades. Born in Phoenix and later moving to Mayville, Chetty’s passion for sports started at a young age, with her family often attending matches at Kingsmead Stadium.
Chetty was introduced to rugby during the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, where she collected player cards and made a scrapbook. This sparked her interest in the sport, which was further fueled by the sense of national unity it brought. She recalls watching Nelson Mandela and Francois Pienaar lift the trophy together, a moment that filled her with pride as a South African.
Early Career and Education
Chetty attended Northlands Primary School and Bonela Primary School, before matriculating from Bonela Secondary School in 2001. She then earned a national diploma in public relations and communications from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), graduating in 2004. A year later, she graduated from DUT with a Bachelor of Technology in public relations and communications.
Chetty also completed a new managers’ programme at Wits University, and recently, an advanced leadership programme through the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). Her journey at The Sharks started with an internship in 2004, which was part of her national diploma requirement. However, the three-month internship turned into a lifetime experience, with Chetty working in various roles, including public relations, stadium management, and ticket office management.
Key Milestones
Some of the key milestones in Chetty’s career include:
- Completing her internship and being offered a permanent position at The Sharks
- Working in the public relations department and interacting with players
- Taking on a role in stadium management and overseeing the ticket office
- Completing various leadership and management programmes to enhance her skills
Today, Chetty is an inspiration to many, particularly women in sports, as she has broken down barriers and achieved great success in a male-dominated industry. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and passion, and serves as a reminder that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.
