The chilly weather in Gauteng didn’t do anything to deter the opening day of the DStv Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC), powered by Bestmed Medical Scheme provincial finals.
All 24 schools showed determination and resilience as they took to court to fight for the available spots to represent their province at this year’s DSNC national finals set for 25 to 26 July at the Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen in Boksburg.
The Netball Challenge is a partnership between Multichoice and the SA Schools Netball (SASN) launched in 2021. The competition is a platform that provides young athletes an equal opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. The DSNC is divided into two streams, Botho and Ubuntu. It has been a platform for national coaches and selectors to spot and observe talent.
The Botho schools dominated the group stages of the competition. Some underdogs showed up and slayed some giants. Rand Park High School ended Hoërskool Monument’s road to the national finals, beating them 24-17. They continued their onslaught and took out Hoërskool Garsfontein in a tightly contested match that had to go to overtime. The Johannesburg-based side won 29-28 and booked a place in the Botho semifinals.
Rand Park captain, Georgia Leppan was elated that her side managed to take big scalps. She says that although they had only aimed to get into the top eight, she is ecstatic that they reached the top four of the competition.
“We feel amazing, we couldn’t have done this without each other. It’s one of the strongest teams that has come through Rand Park. Our determination showed a lot today. We never gave up. It means a lot to us. This is probably one of the first English schools that have done such. It is so rewarding, all the hard work has paid off. Our goal coming here was to make the top eight but we are pushing limits and setting new standards. Going to SAs (nationals) is just incredible. We can’t wait to keep working and work harder to see how far we can get,” says Leppan.
Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria, Hoërskool Menlopark and Hoërskool Noordheuwel will join Rand Park in the national finals.
Although the Ubuntu schools were a step behind in the group stages, they showed up in the knockout stages.
Tswelopele Secondary School had a good run in the knockout stages and proved to be dominant in their stream. They will face a strong Diepdale High School in the Ubuntu finals on 15 June. Both sides have qualified to represent Gauteng in the national finals.
The bronze medal match between Kgetsiyatsie Secondary School and Ennerdale Secondary School will decide the third team that will proceed to the next round.
Meanwhile, Limpopo will be represented by Khaiso Secondary School and Tshiawelo Secondary School in the Ubuntu stream with Hoërskool Ben Vorster and Hoërskool Pietersburg competing in the Botho division.
Participating schools
LIMPOPO
UBUNTU
Khaiso Secondary School, Tshiawelo Secondary School
BOTHO
Hoërskool Ben Vorster, Hoërskool Pietersburg