With the U19 schools netball competition for girls reaching its climax, the energy and anticipation could be felt in the air as teams battle it out at the semi-finals of the DStv Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC) held at Hoërskool Florida on June 8.
The DSNC hosted 25 schools where teams progressed through district and regional playoffs, going head-to-head to finally culminate at the grand finale, where they battled it out against competing provinces.
The tournament is divided into two streams, Botho and Ubuntu, which offer an opportunity for both privileged and disadvantaged schools to participate in the competition.
Chairperson of Gauteng Schools Netball (GSN) Ronell Nell, says that this is one of the biggest schools’ netball competitions because it showcases talented netball players across the country.
“We are very excited, as we enjoy hosting this much-anticipated competition. We have tough competition in Gauteng, and we look forward to watching the best schools in the province. The future of netball in South Africa looks very promising.
“I am very impressed with the Ubuntu stream as players showcase their best netball skills. I am hopeful that Gauteng will get the best possible representatives for the nationals,” Ronell says.
In the Ubuntu division, Sikhululikile High School dominated all teams, placing first and being selected as one of the top six teams that will represent Gauteng in the finals. The reigning champions of the 2023 Botho division, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria (Affies), came back to reclaim their title as they took on their rivals Hoërskool Menlopark in an anticipated afternoon final that left coaches and fellow supporters on the edge of their seats.
The first two quarters between these two Gauteng giants ended in a 12–12 draw, allowing teams to reconvene and set up strategic plays to dominate the championship quarter.
Affies and Menlopark coaches Amanda Mynhardt and Manny Ferreira both assured their girls that playing a smart and steady game would increase their chances of leading in the final two quarters.
In the last few minutes of the fourth quarter, with Affies still in the lead, Menlopark was caught between the strong defence from Affies, resulting in several unforced errors made during centre passes and feeding the ball into the circle. Affies came out victorious with a 27–23 win against Menlopark, making them first in the Botho division.
The finals of the DSNC are set to take place on July 12 and 13, where the top six Gauteng teams will play against other provinces in hopes of bringing another championship back home.
