The Northern Cape is set to find the teams that will represent the province at this year’s DSTV Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC) finals.
Hoërskool Duineveld in Upington will be a hive of activity on Friday and Saturday as it hosts 14 schools who will be vying for four spots available ahead of the national finals set for 12-13 July where two schools will be crowned the best netball teams in the country.
Northern Cape Schools Netball chairperson Mary Bezuidenhout has lauded the growth the tournament has seen in the province.
She says they are excited to see the level of competition that will be on display over the two days.
“We are seeing growth in the competition. We are looking forward to this year’s tournament because I think it will be tougher than last year. The teams have improved a lot. More schools registered this year in the different districts and have also qualified for the playoffs. Last year we didn’t have a Ubuntu school from the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) district but we have got two schools from JTG this year. It was the same with Frances Baard last year but this year we have one school from that region. The Department of Education assisted them,” says Bezuidenhout.
The DSNC is in its fourth year running and over 2 800 schools from all the nine provinces in the country registered for this year’s competition which starts at the district level.
The tournament is a partnership between MultiChoice and SA Schools Netball (SASN) that offers a platform for players from all schools (urban and rural areas) to get to experience the sport on the same level. The relationship aims to unearth, nurture, and support the next generation of national netball players.
The competition is divided into two streams, Botho and Ubuntu, which offers an equal opportunity for schools from all backgrounds to get to the top of the competition. It is also a good hunting ground for coaches from around the country who are looking to strengthen their sides whether for universities or the different national teams.
Bezuidenhout says the competition is important in nurturing the players’ confidence.
“It is great for us as a province. The competition is good for the self-esteem. They walk with their heads high and not with hanging shoulders,” she adds.