The best of Gauteng schools will turn Hoërskool Florida into a battleground as they fight for honours of the best netball teams in the province.
The 24 schools will not only be fighting for provincial glory this weekend but there are also seven spots up for grabs to represent Gauteng at this year’s DSTV Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC) national finals, powered by Bestmed Medical Scheme.
The fifth annual national finals edition of the Netball Challenge will be held at Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen, Boksburg, on 25-26 July.
The Netball Challenge, a partnership between Multichoice and the SA Schools Netball (SASN), 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.
Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria's goal defence, Kristi Koekemoer, said her team is eager to return to the national finals. Koekemoer said although they will leave all on the court, they will have fun doing so.
“We want to qualify, that is why we practice so hard throughout the year, and all the tournaments that we are in are a build-up to the nationals. It would mean so much for our team to qualify for the nationals. We had some bumps on the road but we are at top level now.
"I think we are close to our potential best. This weekend we must just work as a team, keep ball in hand, and enjoy it,” said Koekemoer.
Affies are one of two schools to have won the DSNC title twice. They are the Botho defending champions. Koekemoer said the support the team gets spurs the team to greatness.
“We have an amazing support system and the best coaches. Our coaches put in all the work. We have so many incredible coaches. We are like a family. It's knowing that we are playing for something bigger, we play for each other, and we always put God first in everything we do,” she said.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
UBUNTU
Phahama Secondary School, Khutlo-Tharo Secondary School, Soshanguve High School, Kgetsiyatsie Secondary School, Ennerdale Secondary School, Edenvale High School
BOTHO
Hoërskool Marais Viljoen, Hoërskool Montana, Hoërskool Dinamika, Hoërskool Garsfontein, Hoërskool Noordheuwel, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria, Redhill School, Hoërskool Menlopark, Hoërskool Transvalia, Helpmekaar Kollege, Hoërskool Menlopark, Hoërskool Oos-Moot, Hoërskool Kempton Park, Hoërskool Florida