Netball | DStv Schools Netball Challenge Finals Set to Crown New Champions

Johannesburg, 25 July 2025 – The DStv Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC), now in its fifth year and proudly powered by Bestmed, reaches its exciting conclusion this weekend with the national finals taking place from 25–26 July at Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen in Boksburg. The event brings together nearly 50 of the country’s top under‑19 school netball teams, representing all nine provinces. These finals mark the culmination of months of fierce provincial competition, highlighting the very best of South Africa’s emerging netball talent.

Provincial champions from across South Africa have converged in Gauteng to battle it out for national honours. Among the standout contenders are Unicom Agricultural School from the Free State and Sonwa Sakuba High School from the Eastern Cape. Chief Ampie Mayisa Secondary, representing Mpumalanga, arrives with strong momentum after a dominant regional campaign. Zakhe Secondary School from KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape’s Bloekombos Secondary also bring formidable form into the finals.

Representing the host province, Gauteng’s Diepdale Secondary and Tswelopele Secondary may benefit from familiar territory and local support. Limpopo’s Khaiso Secondary and North West’s JM Ntsime Secondary are also among the contenders. These are just some of the nearly 50 top-performing teams competing for national glory, reflecting the depth and diversity of talent in this year’s tournament.

This year’s tournament also spotlighted a significant milestone; six players who featured in the 2023 and 2024 DSNC editions have since been selected to the SPAR Baby Proteas national U‑21 squad and played a pivotal role in securing South Africa’s qualification for the 2025 Netball Youth World Cup at the Africa Regional Qualifiers. The development pathway from school to national representation underscores the DSNC’s impact on shaping the future of South African netball.

In preparation for the DStv Schools Netball Challenge Finals, a series of Ubuntu Coaching Clinics were held during the school holidays across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. These full-day sessions were designed to equip players from under-resourced schools with high-performance training, life skills, and mentorship opportunities.

Led by a team of elite professionals - including Baby Proteas star Karla Victor and 171-cap national legend Bongiwe Msomi - the clinics combined tactical drills with personal development. The involvement of Level 3 coach Nomsa Zungu and other experienced facilitators added further credibility and inspiration.

Backed by Puma South Africa, the initiative provided professional-grade training kits and first-hand access to role models who’ve competed on the international stage. These clinics reflect MultiChoice’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and creating equal opportunities through sport.

As the DStv Schools Netball Challenge reaches its pinnacle, the national finals promise a thrilling showcase of the country’s best under-19 talent. After months of fierce provincial battles and preparation, the stage is now set for a weekend of competition. The finals stand as a celebration of rising stars, school pride, and the growing momentum of netball in South Africa.

Fans can follow the DSNC action live on DStv Channel 216 (SuperSport Schools), SuperSport Variety 4 (Channel 209) and the SuperSport Schools app

Participating Schools

Ubuntu

Lambalati Secondary School, Chief Ampie Mayisa Secondary School, Leifo Iziko Secondary School, Ntsu Secondary School, Nomzamo High School, Kayamandi Secondary School, Tswelopele Secondary School, Kgetsiyatsie Secondary School, Diepdale Secondary School, Khanyisa High School, Adelaide Gymnasium - Technical School, Kgaphamadi Secondary School, Ramotshere High School, Thembalethu Senior Secondary School, Masibonisane High School, Hoërskool Veritas De Aar, Friersdale Combined School

Botho

Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg, Hoërskool Nelspruit, C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje, Hoërskool Sentraal, Bethlehem Voortrekker High School, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria, Rand Park High School, Hoërskool Noordheuwel, Hoërskool Menlopark, Hoërskool Framesby, Pearson High School, Hoërskool Rustenburg, Hoërskool Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom Gimnasium, Shayamoya High School, Hoërskool Duineveld, Hoërskool Upington, Paarl Gim, Paarl Girls.