Rustenburg, North West, South Africa: The second day of the 2023 SPAR National Netball Championships at Hoërskool Rustenburg was nothing short of electrifying. Dr Kenneth Kaunda has emerged as the team to beat, securing the top spot on the log with eight points.
Johannesburg and Mangaung are neck and neck in the second position, each with five points. However, Johannesburg has the advantage of a game in hand.
The day’s highlight was undoubtedly the clash between Johannesburg and Mangaung. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions and skill, with Mangaung taking the first and third quarters, and Johannesburg claiming the second.
Last-Minute Drama
With just two minutes left on the clock, Mangaung seemed to have the game in the bag with a five-goal lead. However, Johannesburg staged a remarkable comeback.
A sudden burst of energy and some crucial turnovers and intercepts saw them score two goals in the dying seconds, ending the match in a 49-all draw.
Mangaung’s coach, Martha Mosoahle-Samm, expressed her disappointment, saying:
“We had it in the bag and we lost. Well, it was a draw but it felt like a loss”
Mangaung Coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm
“I was very proud of the team, who performed very well for 55 minutes. They will learn from this experience and we can take a lot of confidence out of this game.”
Coaches Reflect on the Game
Johannesburg’s coach, Elsje Jordaan, acknowledged their luck. “I think we were a bit lucky,” she said.
“The girls kept on fighting right to the end, and we had some good intercepts at the right time.
Johannesburg Coach Elsje Jordaan
In a tournament like this, everyone wants to beat the defending champions and that’s a lot of pressure. But they kept their composure and we were able to grab a draw,” Jordaan added.
More Action Unfolds
The day had more in store for Mangaung as they faced another defeat, this time against Dr Kenneth Kaunda, with a scoreline of 51-46.
Elsunet du Plessis, the coach of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, couldn’t be happier. “The players are working as a team and supporting one another. All the teams in the A-division are strong so every match is important,” she said.
Thrilling Draws and Wins
The final match of the day was another thriller, as Cape Winelands and Tshwane played to a 59-59 draw. In other matches, Cape Town defeated Buffalo City 55-34, Cape Winelands overcame Nelson Mandela Bay 72-49, Dr Kenneth Kaunda beat Cape Town 57-31, and Buffalo City triumphed over Nelson Mandela Bay 44-38.
Tickets for the games are available at the venue for R20 for adults and R10 for children. Selected matches will also be broadcast LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4/Channel 209 from 2-7 October.
Leader Photo Caption: Liame de Lange controls the ball during the stand-out match between Johannesburg and Mangaung on Day 2 of the 2023 SPAR National Netball Championships in Rustenberg during day 2 of the 2023 SPAR National Netball Championships on Tuesday, 3 October 2023, at the Hoërskool Rustenburg in North West Province. Picture Credit: Reg Caldecott.
Photo 2 Caption: Ane Retief and Tinita van Dyk contest the ball during the taught draw between Johannesburg and Manguang. Picture Credit: Reg Caldecott
Photo 3 Caption: Rolene Streutker shoots and and Owethu Ngubane rises in defence during Day 2’s play between Johannesburg and Manguang, before the match ended in a hard-contested draw. Picture Credit: Reg Caldecott
Photo 4 Caption: Cape Winelands overcame Nelson Mandela Bay 72-49 in the day’s final match. Picture Credit: Reg Caldecott
Photo 5 Caption: Cape Winelands’ Sian Moore adds to her team’s advantage over Nelson Mandela Bay 72-49 in the day’s final match on Tuesday, 3 October 2023 at the Hoërskool Rustenburg in North West Province.
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