Ehlanzeni made its mark during Netball South Africa’s (NSA) biggest 2024 Males National Netball Championships at the Ellis Park Outdoor Courts in Johannesburg from Thursday to Monday, September 26 to 30.
This is an annual championship organised by the NSA.
Ehlanzeni also had its squad participating in this national tournament. They were the gold medal winners.
Sibongile ‘Bongi’ Maseko, the president of the Ehlanzeni Netball Association, said Ehlanzeni had won all their matches, including the finals. “All national districts conduct trials to select district squad teams. Ehlanzeni also had its squad participating in this national tournament. They were the gold medal winners.”
Maseko said in the semifinals, Ehlanzeni played against Umkhanyakude and won 52-47. In the finals, Ehlanzeni faced Tshwane and won 53-41.
In the five pool matches, Ehlanzeni performed well and won against Umgungundlovu, 52-33. In another match, Ehlanzeni won with 57 and Johannesburg B lost with 50. Ehlanzeni scored 68 and Waterburg lost with 28. Ehlanzeni won against Ethekwini B with 52- 33. Ehlanzeni also won when playing against Mangaung, 49-41.
With record participation, intense competition and the opportunity for national team selection, the tournament will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the sport of men’s netball.
The 2024 tournament was the largest to date, featuring over 60 teams competing across the senior A, B and U23 divisions. With teams drawn from 52 districts across the country, the level of participation underscored the growing popularity of this men’s game.
The 2023 edition of the tournament, held at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium Netball Courts in Rustenburg, featured 48 district teams (12 U23 teams and 36 senior teams).
In a statement, the NSA’s president, Cecilia Molokwane, said she believes the record participation of 67 teams across various divisions underscores the growing popularity of the sport. “The 2024 Males National Netball Championships are shaping up to be an unforgettable event. With record participation, intense competition and the opportunity for national team selection, the tournament will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the sport of men’s netball.”
