Two-time DStv Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC), powered by Bestmed, champions, Hlabi Secondary School successfully hosted the Sekhukhune District finals on the state-of-the-art multi-court donated by MultiChoice, a Canal-Plus Company.
The Mogaung village near, Groblersdal, based school won the inaugural competition in 2021 and returned to the top again in 2023 despite having no proper facilities. Hlabi won the DSNC while training and playing on a dusty gravel court. However, MultiChoice ensured that the school has a more sustainable ground and donated a state-of-the-art multi-court last August. The community of Mogaung village and nearby schools also benefits from.
Hlabi are only one of two schools to have won the Challenge twice. Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool is the other school.
The event saw 34 schools competing for a chance to represent the district at the provincial finals set for 5 to 6 June at Hoërskool Hans Strijdom. Only three schools from Sekhukhune will be represented at the provincials.
Hlabi netball team manager, Nomthandazo Mabena, says the courts have brought more than just confidence to their players but, it has also made them more committed to the game.
"It has been fun, but not only fun. It has given the players more confidence in their netball as well as commitment and discipline. It has shaped the future of our learners well. Their interest in netball has peaked and they are doing well academically as well. Everything is well balanced," says Mabena.
Hlabi’s reputation in the region has also inspired other schools to follow suit and commit to the sport. Mabena says having the facilities has also motivated other schools in the area to improve their performance.
"We have seen an improvement in the number of schools that are registering for netball. I think seeing these facilities makes other schools’ love for netball grow," she says.
Hlabi school principal Emily Mochaki says having the courts at the school has made life easier for the village.
"If it wasn’t for the courts built by Multichoice the players would have had to go to places that are far away. These courts have brought convenience for most of these schools. This is at the centre for most schools. We use them a lot, we are benefiting a lot as a the school as well as the cluster. I hope the schools that are going to the provincials do well. They had been using a dusty, gravel ground before but now they will prepare on proper courts," says Mochaki.
The DSNC serves as a crucial platform for unearthing future netball stars in South Africa. It is a partnership between MultiChoice and SASN and offers a platform for players from all schools (urban and rural areas) to get to experience the sport on the same level.