The excitement is bubbling up as three provinces begin the round of the DSTV Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC), powered by Bestmed Medical Scheme provincial finals this weekend.
Hoërskool Wesvalia in Klerksdorp will be a hive of activity on Saturday as 15 schools take on the courts for the North West provincial finals, while Hoërskool Hans Strijdom in Modimolle will host the Limpopo edition of the provincial finals on 5 and 6 June. The Hoypark in Durban hosts the KwaZulu-Natal leg on Saturday.
The schools will be vying for the places to represent their respective provinces at this year’s national finals taking place from 23 to 25 July at Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen in Boksburg.
The DSNC is a partnership between MultiChoice and South African Schools Netball launched in 2021 with the aim of unearthing future Spar Proteas stars while also creating a competition that will give rise to new school rivalries ensuring that all schools, urban and rural, get to experience the sport at the same level.
Potchefstroom Gimnasium are still the pride of the province after winning the inaugural Challenge and have been a regular at the national finals since. Gimmies clinched the third spot at last year’s provincial finals to booked their place in the national finals.
Convenor of Coaches for North West Schools Netball, Marize Moolman says competition in the province has become stronger over the years. There are five places available for the national finals Moolman says supporters will be treated to high-quality netball on the day.
“A healthy spirit of competition is growing among schools across the province, and we are thrilled to see our Botho and Ubuntu teams achieving medal-winning success at the National Championships. With the top-performing schools from each district competing, spectators can expect exciting and highly competitive matches,” says Moolman.
She believes that the top five schools that will qualify for the nationals in July will represent the province well.
“We are especially proud that three Botho teams and two Ubuntu teams will go to the National Championships. These teams will undoubtedly be ones to watch as they compete on the national stage,” she says.
Meanwhile, in Modimolle a total of 18 teams from five regions will battle it out in the competition. There are four places up for grabs for the national finals, two from Botho and the other two from Ubuntu.
Limpopo Schools Netball coaching convener, Elmari Craig says the province wants to finish in the top 12 at this year’s national finals in both streams. The province has had one school, Hlabi Secondary School, crowned winners at the national finals two times.
“We are excited about the competition. We hope to feature in the top 12 at the nationals this year,” says Craig.
KwaZulu-Natal schools will be vying for five spots in the national round of the competition. Durban will see 19 schools go head to head for the crown of the best netball schools in the province. Three Botho and two Ubuntu schools will progress to the next round.
Participating schools
North West
Ubuntu
Fumane Secondary School, Iketleetso Secondary School, Khumosejo Secondary School, Matlhaleng Secondary School, Kgaphamadi Secondary School, Ramotshere High School, hapama Secondary School
Botho
Hoërskool Rustenburg, Hoërskool Wesvalia, Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom, Hoërskool Bergsig, Hoërskool Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom Gimnasium, Hoërskool Brits, Batswana Commercial Secondary School
Limpopo
Ubuntu
Maope Secondary School, Florapark Comprehensive High School, Sebakanaga Secondary School, Jane Furse Comprehensive, Makgofe Secondary School, Mathomomayo Secondary School, Baranuka Secondary School, Tshikhuthula Secondary School, Hlabi Secondary School,
Botho
LTT Murunwa School Of Excellence, Hoërskool Nylstroom, Hoërskool Hans Strijdom, Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer, Tom Naude Technical Secondary School, Hoërskool Ben Vorster, Hoërskool Pietersburg, Merensky Secondary School, Northern Academy Secondary School
KwaZulu-Natal
Ubuntu
Kwamziwentsha High School, Mzuvele Secondary School, Zinqobele Secondary School, Dondotha High School, Masibonisane High School, Thembalethu Senior Secondary School, Zakhe High School, Waterloo Secondary School, Umlazi Comtech High School
Botho
Ntongande High School, St Anne's Diocesan College, Danville Park Girls' High School, Ashton International College Ballito, Shayamoya Area Secondary School, Edendale Technical High School, Gelofte Skool, Tholokuhle Secondary School, Alexandra High School, Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School