SHEILA MHLONGO
KwaZulu-Natal’s future netball stars lit up Hoy Park in Durban this past weekend at the 2025 DStv Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC), proudly powered by Bestmed Medical Scheme. Twelve determined school teams went head-to-head, and now, the province has crowned its champions for the national showdown.
From Kokstad to Boksburg, Shayamoya Area Secondary School has emerged victorious in the Botho stream, with a showing of heart and grit. They defeated Welabasha High School 25-15 in a fiercely contested final, sealing their spot at the national finals scheduled for 25–27 July at Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen.
In the Ubuntu stream, it was Thembalethu Senior Secondary School that got the upper hand against Masibonisane High School 17-9, to clinch their division and secure their own ticket to nationals. Masibonisane, as runners-up, also qualify to represent KZN in Boksburg.
This year’s KZN provincial round saw an exciting shift in power. With 2024 national winners Khombindlela High School knocked out earlier in the district rounds, the door was wide open for new champions to rise and so they have.
Shayamoya’s path to victory included a dominant semifinal performance over Our Lady of Fatima (29-10), showcasing the team’s defensive strength and fast-paced counterplay. Their campaign is led by a determined squad, with goal defender Sinegugu Gamede making it clear that redemption is their top priority.
“We’re working hard to win gold in Johannesburg. Our coach wasn’t happy with our previous performance, and we’re ready to prove how serious we are.”
Now in its fifth year, the DSNC continues to be a vital development platform for netball in South Africa. Divided into the Ubuntu and Botho streams, the competition gives young athletes from all backgrounds the opportunity to shine in front of national selectors.
Baby Proteas coach Precious Mthembu, who attended the KZN provincial finals expressed her admiration for the talent on display. “The more these girls play, the more they learn how to handle pressure,” she said. “There’s genuine talent coming out of KwaZulu-Natal.”
KwaZulu-Natal Schools Netball Chairperson, Beauty Saunders, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the rapid growth of the sport in the province. “We’ve seen newer schools like Fatima come in and surprise everyone with their skill and spirit. Shayamoya continues to impress. It shows how deep our talent pool is becoming.”
With three provincial teams now locked in for the nationals – Shayamoya, Thembalethu, and Masibonisane – KZN will arrive in Boksburg with strong representation and a point to prove.
As the countdown to the nationals begins, all eyes will be on these young athletes as they step onto the national stage, not just to compete, but to inspire.
Learn more about DStv school sports, MultiChoice youth development and Netball in South Africa at https://www.multichoice.com/enriching-lives
