West Rand gave Ekurhuleni a run for their money as they beat them 65 -48 to be crowned the 2026 Males National Champions at the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha on Friday.
Following their outstanding performances on Thursday afternoon, Ekurhuleni and West Rand faced off against each other in the penultimate match of the tournament. Ekurhuleni who are the defending champs, sought to defend their title come end of the sixty minutes.
Their opponents West Rand had other ideas and agenda – they came into the match prepared to be crowned 2026 Champions. West Rand were very intentional and clinical amongst the two. At the end of the first quarter, they enjoyed a nine-point lead, taking the quarter 19 -10. They continued to extend their lead in the second and took an overall lead of 33 -26.
West Rand cemented their position in the third quarter with a 47 – 33 lead, this became a mountain too high to climb for Ekurhuleni as they struggled to catch up with the pressure from West Rand.
Meanwhile in the junior divisions (under 23) match, eThekwini dethroned Mangaung after bearing them 48 -48 to be crowned champions in what was a nail-biting match
The under 23 males’ netball champions Mangaung, came into the final match of the tournament in mind and that was to defend their title and take all the bragging rights that came with that. However, for that to happen, they’d need to beat and overcome a very determined eThekwini side.
Both teams started like a house on fire however it was eThekwini who were tactically disciplined and stronger of the two sides – at the end of the quarter, they were leading 15 – 10 against Mangaung.
The second quarter saw Mangaung staging a comeback however eThekwini were not prepared to surrender their five-point lead – they pushed hard to ensure that they retain their lead. It was in the last two quarters that Mangaung dug deep to even the scoreline however a missed shot at the dying seconds of the match and a conversion by eThekwini saw them losing the match 48 -49.
Overall individual winner:
Under 23:
Best Shooter: Siboniso Gumede (eThekwini)
Best mid-court: Blessing Phiri (Mangaung)
Best defender: Nkosi Kubeka (Sedibeng)
Player of the tournament: Katleho Rotobane (Mangaung)
Senior:
Best Shooter: Njabulo Maseko (Ehlanzeni)
Best Mid – court: Zimi Mbungwana (West Rand)
Best Defender: Vukile Zulu (eThekwini)
Player of the tournament: Njabulo Nekavhambe (Ekurhuleni)
