The stage has been set for the fifth annual DStv Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC) national finals, powered by Bestmed Medical Scheme.
Almost 50 schools from around the country will converge at Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen in Boksburg, Johannesburg, on 25-26 July to battle it out for the coveted titles of the best netball school in South Africa.
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, from both rural and urban areas, an equal opportunity to showcase their talent on the national stage.
The DSNC is divided into two streams, Botho and Ubuntu. The competition has also become a platform for national coaches and selectors to spot and observe talent.
Botho defending champions Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria will be back this year, and they will be aiming for the first three-peat of the competition. Affies first won the competition in the 2023 edition and defended their title successfully last year. Captain Kristi Koekemoer says it would be an astounding achievement if they make it three in a row.
“It’s all the support. We have an amazing support system and the best coaches. That would be amazing. I don’t know how many schools have done it three times in a row. That is what we are working for. If we do it, we are going to enjoy every moment, and it would mean so much for everyone to win it the third time,” says Koekemoer.
However, Affies will have a tough time as the 2022 champions, C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje, are hunting for gold yet again. Oranje captain Jessica Barnard is relishing the prospect of returning to the top of the podium again.
“I think this year is going to be a big comeback. It would be very important (to win again) because we have had the title before. It would be amazing for the school to be there again,” says Barnard.
Eyes will also be on the Ubuntu stream, where last year’s finalists, Lambalati Secondary School, will be looking to do one better than their 2024 finish. The absence of last year’s winners, Khombindlela High School, and two-time winners Hlabi Secondary School, has opened the door to new winners in the section.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
Ubuntu
Lambalati Secondary School, Chief Ampie Mayisa Secondary School, Leifo Iziko Secondary School, Ntsu Secondary School, Nomzamo High School, Kayamandi Secondary School, Tswelopele Secondary School, Kgetsiyatsie Secondary School, Diepdale Secondary School, Khanyisa High School, Adelaide Gymnasium - Technical School, Kgaphamadi Secondary School, Ramotshere High School, Thembalethu Senior Secondary School, Masibonisane High School, Hoërskool Veritas De Aar, Friersdale Combined School
Botho
Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg, Hoërskool Nelspruit, C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje, Hoërskool Sentraal, Bethlehem Voortrekker High School, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria, Rand Park High School, Hoërskool Noordheuwel, Hoërskool Menlopark, Hoërskool Framesby, Pearson High School, Hoërskool Rustenburg, Hoërskool Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom Gimnasium, Shayamoya High School, Hoërskool Duineveld, Hoërskool Upington, Paarl Gim, Paarl Girls.