Talented Steel recruit opts for the south
June 13, 2025
Follow your head or your heart. Khanye’-Lii Munro-Nonoa faced a tough decision.
The promising young talent had just made her debut for the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in round one of the ANZ Premiership as a replacement for co-captain Kate Heffernan. At the other end of the country, her regular team the Go Media Stars had been ravaged by a trifecta of injuries in its opening game.
Munro-Nonoa, 20, suddenly found herself in hot demand from both franchises.
“It was very difficult. I had been with the Stars for about a year, initially as a TP (training partner) before being contracted last season and then as a TP again this year. I feel like it was really hard because I had made those friendships and had those beautiful relationships with those people and players at the Stars,” she said.
Ultimately, she opted to remain in the deep south with the Steel.
“I feel like this was the best decision for me as a player. I get to learn from some of the best – like the starting wing defence for the Silver Ferns. It has brought a different perspective to my netball,” Munro-Nonoa said.
“I’m loving it. The culture and everything here, it’s just so beautiful. After that first round I just felt so welcomed and at home. That really pushed me to make that final decision.
“I’m very thankful. I already feel like I’ve learned so much from Wendy and La (Steel coaches) and also the girls so I’m very grateful for that.”
Auckland-raised, Munro-Nonoa is regarded as a dynamic ball-hunter, excelling at wing and goal defence. Previously a member of the NZ Secondary Schools team, she has progressed into the ranks of the NZ U21 squad which has a prime focus on the 2025 Netball Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
“Moving away from home when I’m such a home body and very family-orientated, it was definitely a hard thing to get used to. But being surrounded every day by the players, the coaches and everyone here at Steel, it’s just such a special community. I’m just loving it.”
She was relishing the court time the coaches were bestowing on her as reward for her dedicated efforts.
“I’m very grateful that I’ve been given the opportunity each week. I constantly have to prove I’m worthy because it’s such a healthy competitive environment.”
The Steel heads north to meet the Stars on Saturday for the first showdown in 2025, determined to put a halt to a recent run of losses.
“Some games have been so close – we just need to push that extra mile,” Munro-Nonoa said.
Auckland’s Pullman Arena is familiar territory.
“I’m very glad my family is going to be in the crowd and I will be happy to be able to look across to them,” she said.
“Coming up against some of my good mates that I’ve made from being in the Stars previously, they are a great group of ladies, they are hard workers and they will definitely bring it this weekend.
“We just need to push back. I know we’ve worked hard. We’ve felt the losses before and we don’t want to feel that again so we’re definitely ready.
“Consistency will be key. We’ve definitely had glimpses of what we’re capable of and what our potential is. Having that throughout the whole 60 minutes, no matter who is on or who comes on, is really important. I feel like our impact players have brought that extra bit of energy so it’s good to know the full squad is able to bring it.”
She rated Stars shooter Charlie Bell as a weapon the Steel would need to be wary of.
“They are all amazing players if I’m being honest, but their goal shooter Charlie Bell has incredible height and being from Aussie, she has that Aussie style and flair which we will need to combat,” she said.
“I’ve had the privilege to play against her at trainings and preseason so I’m very excited to go up against her when there are premiership points on the line.”
Saturday’s round six game is free-to-air on TVNZ from 4pm.
