The DStv Netball Challenge (DSNC) is unique among school sports tournaments on a variety of fronts.
With more than 3 700 schools taking part in 2025, it is certainly the biggest U19 netball tournament in the country.
“It is such a wonderful opportunity for the schools and the players,” said the president of South Africa Schools Netball, Di Woolley, at the DSNC Gauteng Championships, held at Hoërskool Florida on June 14 and 15.
“What sets the DSNC apart from other tournaments is that it allows girls from every corner of the country, who would in their normal day-to-day lives never cross paths, the opportunity to compete with each other on equal footing.
“We have schools competing in two categories, namely Botho (urban) and Ubuntu (rural), starting at local, to regional, to provincial, and eventually national level.
“This means that girls from all backgrounds get the opportunity to play at a level that they would never have experienced were it not for this competition.
“DStv has made all of this possible and we are extremely grateful.”
Woolley is full of praise for the participating teams, saying, “We’ve seen outstanding performances during the Gauteng leg, and I’m sure the qualifying schools will perform well in the national competition.”
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According to Multichoice’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) manager for Sports, Sandlile Luthuli, the DSNC impacts on more than just numbers.
“Netball is the biggest sport in South Africa in terms of participation,” he says. “Yet it is highly underrepresented. People are glued to the TV, and flock in their hundreds to stadiums to watch other sports matches. It’s high time netball gets its moment in the sun also.”
Luthuli adds that what makes the DSNC truly unique, is that it brings players from all walks of life together on the netball court.
“The goal is to build a foundation for professional netball in South Africa, by exposing players from all different backgrounds to competitive netball at the highest level.
“During the past five years since its formation, the DSNC has become the premier U19 tournament in the country, with university and provincial coaches paying close attention in order to identify and secure top talent for their respective teams.
“The DSNC has already made a significant impact, with six players from the 2023 and 2024 editions included in the Baby Proteas in 2024, contributing to the team successfully securing its victory at the 2024 Africa Regional Qualifiers.
“Past winners, like Hlabi Secondary School and Khombindlela High have gone on to achieve provincial and national titles, including School of the Year at both the South African Sports Awards and KwaZulu-Natal Sports Awards.”
The Gauteng Championships’ Botho division was once again dominated by Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool (Affies), who will no doubt be pushing for their third DSNC title.
The other qualifying schools were Rand Park High School, Hoërskool Noordheuwel, and Hoërskool Menlopark.
In the Ubuntu division, Tswelopele Secondary School achieved a narrow victory over Diepdale Secondary School to take the gold.
Kgetsiyatsie Secondary School from Hammanskraal crushed Ennerdale Secondary School 36-4 to clinch the bronze, securing their first appearance in the DSNC National Championships, which will be held at Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen in Boksburg on July 25 and 26.
Read more about the day: https://shorturl.at/AjX39
To learn more about how MultiChoice is investing in youth and communities through sport, visit https://www.multichoice.com/catapulting-the-youth.php
