Close to 2000 netballers from 110 teams across the country have gathered at Stellenberg High School in the Western Cape for the SPAR National Netball Championships, which get under way on Thursday, with reigning champions Johannesburg gunning for an unprecedented fifth straight title.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Johannesburg A coach Elsje Jordaan acknowledged that the challenge of defending the title grows with each passing year, particularly with injuries affecting several members of her squad. However, she believes the experience gained during the team’s four-year run at the top has equipped them well for another title challenge.
Jordaan said the core of the team remains intact.
“The spine of our team is still very experienced, and it’s the players that have been part of the four-year process. And they do understand what it takes to win,” she explained.
She added that success at this level is built over time, with players needing to experience both victories and setbacks in high-pressure matches before developing the resilience required to consistently come out on top. While confident in her side’s ability, Jordaan stressed that there is no room for complacency, pointing to the growing strength of teams across the country.
“The belief is definitely there because we understand what it takes to win, but we also have so much respect for this competition,” she said. “I think the teams are growing and getting better every year. And that’s what you want to see.”
Johannesburg captain Alex Meimaris added: “It’s quite something to be able to say that we are going for a fifth title. I think obviously not everybody gets to say that they’ve been in this position, especially when it’s been four consecutive wins in a row. So, I think there’s a lot of pressure, but at the same time, a lot of excitement, hopefully being able to pull through another win.”
Meanwhile, Johannesburg will also be looking to defend their Under-21 title as they chase a third successive crown. Former SPAR Proteas captain and recent Chef de Mission for Team South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Bongi Msomi, took over the coaching role in 2024.
She took the side who had finished bottom of the table in 2023 to their first title in 2024, which they then successfully defended in 2025.
Asked whether she was confident of achieving a three-peat, Msomi reckoned: “I think I’m always confident with that. That’s the funny part about me as a coach, because I’ve been part of the losing end and I know how it feels, and I think that drives me more towards really wanting to win.
“I wouldn’t go to players and say, ‘We have to win,’ but all my preparations and the plans in place speak to that. If it doesn’t happen, it will obviously be that we fell short on the day… But I always want to assure myself and the team that we are ready and good enough to take it on and compete at that level.”
Also expressing her excitement for the championships to get under way was Netball South Africa president Mami Diale, who spoke about the importance of the tournament in unearthing new talent.
“As Netball South Africa, we are super excited, and we always look forward to this championship because this is where dreams are made,” she said.
“This is the championship where we give players an opportunity to showcase their talent at the highest level and to be identified as national squad players…. So we’re looking forward to seeing new talent as well as experienced players playing at this level.”
Diale confirmed that the national teams of Botswana and Namibia will also compete in the senior A section. While they won’t be eligible for medal positions, the experience gained is vital in building African unity ahead of next year’s Netball World Cup.
“This relationship will take us far, because we are preparing for the 2027 World Cup, and we want to go out as Africa, as one solid unit, so we can support one another when we’re participating internationally,” she said.
Play will begin at 8am on Thursday with matches taking place at both Stellenberg High School and a nearby primary school for the next six days.
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Picture credits: Grant Pitcher/ Gallo Images
