SPAR National Netball Championships Kick Off in Johannesburg

03 December 2024


The highly anticipated SPAR National Netball Championships are underway in Johannesburg from 1 to 7 December 2024, bringing together an impressive 2000 participants from 52 districts across the country.

 
This year’s event features an exciting mix of talent, including the nation’s top senior players and under-21 rising stars. The defending champions, Johannesburg, will aim to retain their title after a stunning victory in Rustenburg last year over Tshwane. Adding to the excitement is the SPAR Baby Proteas (South Africa's under-21 national team) will compete in the senior A section in preparation for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
 
Traditionally held in August to celebrate Women’s Month, the tournament was postponed this year due to the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. This scheduling shift presents a new challenge as Johannesburg’s summer temperatures are expected to soar above 30°C throughout the week.
Netball South Africa President, Cecilia Molokwane, hailed the championships as the sport's largest event yet, highlighting its remarkable growth:
“124 teams—can you believe it? From 99 last year—what growth! Something that has never happened before. We are incredibly proud of how far netball has come, and we thank all districts for their hard work in growing this game.”
 
Monday’s opening ceremony at Ellis Park Netball, held at 16:00, included a special candle-lighting ceremony to honour World AIDS Day, 16 Days of Activism, #EndGBVF, and International Day of Persons with Disabilities. A highlight of this year’s event is the inclusion of a dedicated tournament for four top deaf netball teams from Western Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, and Northern Cape, celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
 
Fans can secure tickets for R20 online at shop.netball-sa.org.za or at the venue, with safe parking available at Ellis Park Swimming Pool for R10 per car. Select matches will also be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4 (Channel 209).