The road to the national finals of the DStv Schools Netball Challenge, powered by Bestmed Medical Scheme, continues.
Three provinces will take advantage of the long weekend to select teams that will represent the respective provinces in the 2026 edition of the Challenge set for 23 to 25 July at Hoërskool Dr E.G. Jansen in Boksburg.
First on the list is the Free State which will host the provincial round over two days from 12 to 13 June, Gauteng follows suit on 13 to 14 June, and Mpumalanga will close the weekend off on 15 to 16 June.
The 2022 champions, C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje, will be out to dominate the province and book a ticket to the nationals. Oranje will be hoping to better their performance at last year’s national finals where they finished 10th overall. Oranje will be one of 16 schools taking to the court to contest for places to represent the Free State at the national finals.
The president of Free State Schools Netball, Constance Monyobo, said the province expects to witness highly competitive matches throughout the two days.
“There will be high-intensity matches. Margins between victory and defeat are likely to be very small. The championship will provide a platform for future Free State and national players to showcase their abilities.
"Every district will be eager to prove itself as the strongest netball region in the province. Players will carry the hopes and pride of their schools and districts.
"Teamwork will be key, individual brilliance may win moments, but championships are won by teams that communicate well, support one another, and remain disciplined throughout the tournament,” said Monyobo.
She added that consistency will be important for the teams that are vying for the top honours in the province.
“The championship brings together the best players from each district, meaning every team has already proven itself through district-level competitions. At this stage, there are no easy matches. Success will depend on consistency, teamwork, discipline, fitness, tactical execution, and mental strength,” added Monyobo.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Schools Netball Chairperson Ronelle Nell is confident that another school from the province will walk away as the national champions this year. The province has won the national title three times in a row in the Botho division. Hoërskool Menlopark are the defending champions in that stream.
“Of course, we will be the winners at the nationals. Gauteng is the Home of Champions. We know that this weekend we will see excellent competition and sportsmanship. It will definitely not be easy for any team, but the proof will be in the pudding.
"It is going to be tightly contested and we know that we will be seeing some excellent netball played in such a way that netball and DStv can be the winners,” said Nell.
Participation schools
Free State
Botho
C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje, Hoërskool Wilgerivier, Welkom-Gimnasium, Hoërskool Jim Fouché, Witteberg Secondary School, Hoërskool TRIO High School, Goudveld-Hoërskool, Hoopstad Hoërskool, Hoërskool Sentraal, Hoërskool Voortrekker
Ubuntu
Dr Reginald Cingo Comprehensive School, Senakangwedi Senior Secondary School, Brentpark Secondary School, Lethabong Secondary School
Gauteng
Botho
Hoërskool Garsfontein, Helpmekaar Kollege, Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen, Hoërskool Eldoraigne, Hoërskool Monument, Hoërskool Noordheuwel, Hoër Volkskool Heidelberg, Hoërskool Kempton Park, Rand Park High School, Hoërskool Transvalia, Hoërskool Hans Moore, Reddam House W, Hoërskool Waterkloof, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria, Hoërskool Oos-Moot, Reddam House B, Hoërskool Linden, Hoërskool Marais Viljoen, Hoërskool Menlopark, Hoërskool Dinamika
Ubuntu
Ratanda Secondary School, Thuto Lefa Secondary School, Thamsanqa Secondary School, Sikhululekile Secondary School, Soshanguve East Secondary School, Tholulwazi Secondary School, Tswelopele Secondary School, Phahama School of Specialisation
Mpumalanga
Botho
Hoërskool Nelspruit, Ligbron Academy of Technology, Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog, Hoërskool Lydenburg, Hoërskool Secunda, Hoër Tegniese Skool Witbank, Oasis College, Hoërskool Bergvlam, Hoërskool Ermelo, Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg, Hoërskool Rob Ferreira, Hoërskool Piet Retief High School, Middelburg Hoërskool
Ubuntu
Mashishing Secondary School, Luka High School, Chief Ampie Mayisa Secondary School, Lambalati Secondary School, Sibongamandla Secondary School, Kusasalethu Secondary School