Development of any sporting code is important because it allows one the opportunity to groom young ones into becoming the best of the best. The success of our sport (netball) hinges on us making sure that we make the right investment when it comes to development.
Netball South Africa in association with SA Schools Netball (SASN) have joined forces and collaborated with mobile network operator Telkom, to officially launch a new netball championship which will be focusing on girls in schools.
The Telkom Netball Junior Championships which is taking place from 03rd of October until the 07th of October will be completed by under 17 to under 19 players from all over the country. The teams participating here would need to be affiliate members of SASN.
“This is one of the biggest milestones we have attained as a federation together with our associate member SA Schools Netball. Our vision of making netball fashionable and taking netball back to the people will be attainable when we start initiatives like these, development is very crucial and I believe that we are headed in the right direction here,” said Cecilia Molokwane, Netball South Africa President.
The Telkom Netball Championships is aimed at giving young netballers an opportunity to showcase and develop their skills and talents. Over and above the players, the tournament will also give team managers, coaches, umpires, and administrators an opportunity to get involved in the game and upskill themselves.
Telkom’s Chief Marketing Officer, Gugu Mthembu said “As supporters of women’s sport and netball in South Africa, we are excited to officially launch the Telkom Netball Championship. In order for our country to produce high quality players who will one day represent the country, we believe in starting player development at a young age, nurturing them and giving them the best possible shot at a bright future in netball. This tournament also provides a great opportunity for young girls to be scouted by university coaches and provincial teams – an opportunity that not many young players around the country currently have access to. We are grateful for the opportunity to make history and lead the way in the development of netball. We thank our partners, Netball South Africa and South African Schools Netball for starting this journey with us.”
This tournament is a steppingstone for young girls who are in high schools, they will get an opportunity to showcase their talents so that they can be identified and scouted by institutions of higher learning where they can also ply their netball trades at.
Molokwane concluded by saying “As a former player and coach, I fully understand how important development is, I comprehend the value that it adds into one’s life. I am thrilled that as Netball South Africa, we have reached a point where we are able to host junior championships.”
Follow matches live via the Supersport Schools app (Android) (Apple) or website
The U19 semi-finals and final will be live on SuperSport Variety 4 DStv Channel 209 see their TV guide for more details.
