Unleashing the spirit of netball in Alexandra
Netball lovers were in for roller-coaster of emotions at Netball Junior Tournament at Altrek Sport Complex in Alexandra as they witness thrilling matches between the juniors.
Netball lovers across Alexandra were treated to an exciting showcase of skill, teamwork, and unmatched passion during the highly anticipated Netball Junior Tournament for U13 and U15.
Held at the Altrek Sports Complex, this tournament brought together top-tier teams from around the township to compete for glory, making it an unforgettable spectacle for players and spectators alike. Teams like Storm Chasers, Net Setters, Give Them A Purpose (GTAP) and Tikkun Golden Eagles (TGE) were competing to be crowned the best.
The tournament included many captivating games that displayed the highest levels of athleticism and good teamwork. With the stakes higher, the teams did everything in their power to win.
“The key strategy for the tournament was to stick to what we have been training in terms of netball basics and simple play. The team prepared in terms of focusing on fitness and agility getting used to running and being fast on the ball and reacting.
“We knew that our opponents are five times more experienced than us, but our motive was to practice what we train and make sure we implement the right play however the nerves took charge and drove the team the other way,” Tikkun Golden Eagles coach West Dzova said.
From the first whistle to the final buzzer, each game was a relentless display of talent and determination. The athletes displayed their skills, enthusiasm and speed while trying to outplay their opponents. The intense competition and nail-biting finishes kept fans on the edge of their seats, making for an unforgettable sporting experience.
Coaches displayed their leadership as they guided their teams through challenging moments and inspired their younger teammates to reach new heights. Storm Chasers U15 team dominated the game as they beat Tikkun 24-5.
“Our main key strategy was ‘teamwork’, netball is a team game. It’s definitely impossible to win on your own, no matter how good you are. So teamwork is essential when playing netball, we had to make sure everyone connects as a team when in the court playing to dominate the opponent,” Storm Chasers assistant coach Sifiso Dhlamini said.
Beyond the captivating matches, the tournament fostered a sense of community and sportsmanship. The event attracted a diverse crowd of netball enthusiasts, families, and local residents who came together and cheered loud enough to support their favorite teams.
Sportsmanship remained the foundation of the tournament, with players demonstrating respect and fair play. Despite the intensity of the competition, teams embraced the spirit of the game, engaging in friendly exchanges and congratulating their opponents after the match.
The tournament was exciting, from the thrilling matches to the unwavering spirit of competition, it showcased the best of netball and celebrated the remarkable skills and teamwork displayed by the young athletes.
“We trained a lot for this tournament and like our coach like to say that we should always try to foster teamwork and always have a positive mindset and have a strong defence, always put your head up and take the ball home, we did that, but it worked on one team and unfortunately didn’t work on the other team,” one of the netballers Mmabidietsa Kganakga said.
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