SPAR National Netball Championships give Ekurhuleni players a powerful push forward
The championships continue until December 6, with hundreds of young Ekurhuleni players watching closely, and dreaming even bigger than before.
As the SPAR National Netball Championships bring teams, fans and economic activity to Ekurhuleni, Netball South Africa vice-president and Ekurhuleni Netball chairperson Khosi Dlamini says the real legacy will be the inspiration it offers to young players across the metro.
Hosting the tournament in Ekurhuleni for the first time, Dlamini believes the event marks a turning point for the region’s netball development. Speaking to the Boksburg Advertiser at Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen, where 114 teams from 52 districts are competing from December 1–6, she said the exposure alone is set to reshape the ambitions of young athletes.
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“This is the first time since we became Ekurhuleni that this tournament is held here, and it’s very exciting. Our kids always see the SPAR Proteas and those top players on TV; they’ve never seen them right at their doorstep. Being here at EG Jansen is going to create a network for our team. They’ll want to play netball because they now know that Ekurhuleni can host big tournaments too.”
Dlamini said the presence of elite players and national teams gives local youngsters something they’ve never had before: a direct view of what is possible.
“These are the players who think, ‘in the future, that will be me.’ Seeing this live, not on TV, changes everything. U16 players are here as spectators to watch the role models they usually only see on screen.,” she said.
While the hotels, restaurants and local businesses are buzzing from the influx of visitors, Dlamini insists the biggest gain is the confidence that the event instils in the metro.
“With Ekurhuleni hosting the TNC next year, what is happening here shows our players and coaches that we can stand with the best. After seeing this, I’m telling you, next year we are going to have more teams. This strengthens the entire netball system in the metro.”
Dlamini thanked Netball South Africa for bringing the tournament home. “The most important thing is what this means for the athletes. Hosting here shows our youngsters that opportunities exist right where they live. That alone can change the future of netball in Ekurhuleni.”
Also Read: Action galore on opening day of SPAR National Champs
Day 1 results (December 1)
Defending champions Johannesburg lost 53-56 to Cape Town on the first day (December 1). They maintained their winning start by beating Botswana 55-39.
More results
Senior A
Tshwane 54 – 41 Nelson Mandela Bay
Cape Winelands 37 – 44 eThekwini
Johannesburg 53 – 56 Cape Town
Mangaung 51 – 46 Dr Kenneth Kaunda
Cape Winelands 35 – 53 Tshwane
Cape Town 55 – 39 Botswana
eThekwini vs Mangaung (postponed)
Johannesburg vs Botswana (postponed)
Under 21A
Johannesburg 69 – 17 eThekwini
Tshwane 44 – 29 Ekurhuleni
Dr Kenneth Kaunda 56 – 26 Cape Town
