Feast of netball in December

The excitement of the Spar Challenge and Varsity Netball is over, but there is still plenty for netball fans to enjoy, as the annual Spar National Championships begin at Ellis Park Netball, Johannesburg, on December 1.

The Spar National Championships are traditionally played in August, to coincide with Women's Month and National Women’s Day, but had to be postponed this year due to the Paris Olympic Games.

Up to 1 800 players will descend on Ellis Park Netball for a feast of netball, with the Under-21 Championships being played alongside the senior tournament. Ten districts will compete for the senior A title, which is currently held by Johannesburg.

The Spar Baby Proteas (national under-21 team) are also confirmed to be playing in the Senior A Section of the championship as all important preparation for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup to be played in Gibraltar.

TOP VENUE

Ellis Park is one of the top netball venues in Gauteng. It boasts 12 hard courts including a stadium court seating 3 000 spectators.

The President of NSA, Cecilia Molokwane, expressed the importance of the tournament and the positive impact it plays for netball in South Africa.

“Spar National Championships is a very important tournament for us as Netball South Africa (NSA), it has allowed us over the years to identify players to play for the national teams (under-21’s and seniors). It has become a good hunting ground for scouts and perfect opportunity for players to also showcase their talents.

"We are truly grateful to Spar for their unwavering support throughout the years – it is because of such a partnerships that we have been able to grow and be who and where we are. Another step in the right direction in helping us take netball back to the people and turn the sport professional.” 

Netball South Africa CEO Modiegi Komane said Ellis Park Netball was an ideal venue for the national championships.

“We need at least 10 netball courts to be able to run our tournaments efficiently, and they have 12. One of these is a stadium court where spectators will have the comfort of seating and cover from the summer sun.

“We know it might be hot in December, but we have contingency plan to deal with that, and we will set up a big marquee, which will provide players with a rest area” she said.

INCREASED INTEREST

Komane confirmed there had been an impressive number of teams entering the tournament in the last couple of years.

“It may be a result of increased interest in netball because of last year’s Netball World Cup. But I am delighted that 36 teams have entered the Under-21 tournament and 53 have entered the senior tournament. We believe this is a sign that there is a growing interest in netball in outlying areas,” said Komane.

She said that while most members of the Spar national team would miss the tournament because they would be in camp at Ellis Park preparing for the Africa Nations Cup later in December hosted by Namibia, some members of the Spar national squad would be seen in action at Ellis Park.

Komane confirmed that during the Championships there would be a Deaf Netball Tournament played in celebration of World Disability Day on Tuesday, 3 December 2024.

CREATING AWARENESS

Spar and Netball South Africa (NSA) are fully committed to the battle against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and during the championships a strong message to #ENDGBVF would be sent.

Mpudi Maubane, National Spar PR, Communications and Sponsorships Manager said Spar were proud to headline sponsor the Championships. “This Championships is the largest Interprovincial sport event hosted in South Africa annually and it’s the ideal platform to create awareness among the participants and spectators about the fight to #ENDGBV.

"While awareness campaigns serve their purpose in highlighting the issue of GBV, they cannot stand alone. Collaborations with the likes of NSA, NPA and LifeLine on #EndGBV is very important for us as it helps to direct and channel support where is mostly needed. The Spar Group recognises that the aftermath of violence is where real impact can occur.

"Over R7million is allocated annually for direct support to GBV victims, where we ensure women, children and men can access the care and dignity they deserve following traumatic experiences. This commitment goes beyond just financial backing, it signifies the creation of a safety net for victims in their most vulnerable moments.

"Our partnership with NPA and particularly work done with Thuthuzela Care Centres serves as a great platform that facilitates the legal redress which victims often need, ensuring that their voices are heard, and justice ultimately is served.”

Tickets for the games will be available online at shop@netball-sa.org.za as well as at the venue for R20. Safe and secure parking would be available at Ellis Park Swimming Pool for R10 per car.

Selected matches will be broadcast LIVE on SuperSport. Broadcast details to follow.