New look at netball champs
The SPAR National Netball Championships, which are to take place in Bela Bela, Limpopo, from December 7 to 12, will have a very different look and feel this year.
The championships, normally held in August, had to be delayed because of the pandemic. Netball South Africa (NSA) was finally given permission by the government to host the championships and have a selected resort, The Zwartkloof Resort, as the venue for the tournament. The resort has eight courts.
Tournament director Mami Diale said the championships would be smaller than usual because of the circumstances.
“There will be 40 teams taking part, 20 u-21 and 20 senior teams. There won’t be a C-section this year,” said Diale.
“Eight teams will play in the senior A-section. They will play on a round-robin basis, ending with semi-finals and a final.”
Diale said all participants would have to undergo a Covid-19 test 24 hours before the start of the tournament and then self-isolate to prevent the spread of the disease.
“We are taking over the resort so there will be no mixing with the outside world. We want to ensure everyone’s health and safety and will be creating a ‘soft bubble’ in Bela Bela in line with the government’s Covid-19 safety rules and regulations.
“Because it is expected to be very hot in Bela Bela, we will start very early in the morning, with the first matches at 6am. There will be a three-hour break from noon until 3 pm,” said Diale.
SPAR group marketing executive Mike Prentice said in such uncertain times it was wonderful to see South Africa’s premier national netball tournament taking place and returning to the beautiful province of Limpopo.
“This prestigious event plays an important part in the overall development of netball in South Africa,” said Prentice.
Dorette Badenhorst, coach of the SPAR Proteas, said she would be keeping an eye out for talent during the national championships.
